Handover of R10 Million ward for care of Covid-19 patients in Mitchell Plain

Humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers (GOTG) has donated R10 million towards renovating and equipping an entire ward of Mitchells Plain Hospital which will be used to treat COVID-19 patients. The month-long renovation project started in June and was officially handed over by Gift of the Givers founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman to the Western Cape Government Head of Health, Dr Keith Cloete at a plaque and unveiling ceremony of the renovated and newly named Freesia Ward on Thursday 6 August.

The donation of the renovated 60 bedded COVID-19 ward will allow the hospital to open additional bed capacity for non-COVID-19 services and utilise Freesia ward to treat COVID-19 patients. Gift of the Givers approached the hospital to offer support and heard their appeal and generously offered to provide support and increase bed capacity and provide life-saving assistance to Covid-19 patients.

The ward which was previously called Carnation before the renaming to Freesia, was a 59 bedded medical ward and has recently been equipped with 60 new beds, new oxygen machines and other necessary equipment needed for staff to care for COVID-19 patients.

“The support and partnership between Gift of the Givers and the Department during the pandemic show that by working together we can ensure optimal care for our vulnerable communities. We are appreciative for the additional humanitarian support in fighting this COVID-19 pandemic.” said Dr Keith Cloete, Western Cape Government Head of Health.

“Increasing capacity within a given hospital is infinitely more practical than setting up new remote facilities at non-hospital venues, given the acute staff and essential equipment shortage. Fortunately, Mitchells Plain Hospital had an entire wing that we could convert into a dedicated Covid-19 oxygen facility within a short space of time,” said Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.

Since the handover, the hospital will continue to prepare the ward for the acceptance of its first COVID-19 patient in September.