Big treat for little patients
THEY are tiny, in pain and often stay at the hospital for a very long time.
But this Mandela Day the little patients of the paediatric orthopedic unit at Livingstone Hospital are in for a treat, thanks to the team that looks after them every day.
Clinical psychologist Tania Muthen said the clinical support services at the ward, including the physiotherapists and occupational therapists, had decided to use Mandela Day – an internationally recognised initiative held annually on late president Nelson Mandela’s birthday to spend 67 minutes helping others – to have a party for their patients.
“We wanted to spoil them a little. We have a 30-bed ward and look after children from three months-old to 13 years, but most of our patients are between the ages of eight and nine. Our patients have a number of conditions like hydrocephalus and spina bifida, but many also land up here with fractures,” she said.
The team are arranging magic shows and games for the kids, and will also have someone making balloon animals.
“Our physiotherapists are organising party packs for the kids and we have received generous sponsorships from KFC and Coca-Cola for food and drinks, and Build-It will provide us with soccer balls for the kids. We are very excited.”
She said they also wanted to thank Medal Paints and the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for sponsorships.
They are looking for gloves, scarves, beanies and blankets for the children and would appreciate any contributions.
The Herald, Project Sparkle and the Just1Hr campaign are coordinating a Sparkle for Health day on Mandela Day to help and support Port Elizabeth’s public health sector.
To join Project Sparkle, Just1Hr and The Herald in our Sparkle for Health Mandela Day initiative on July 18, this is how you can get involved:
ý Spend an hour helping to clean your local clinic;
ý Donate goods and spend an hour helping the Red Cross to put together first aid kits for disadvantaged schools;
ý Donate blankets to patients and old age homes;
ý Find out more about how your monthly contribution can save the St Francis Hospice and donate much-needed food supplements;
ý Join the Igazi Foundation’s Marrow Masakane project and sign up to become a bone marrow donor or a blood donor at Baywest Mall; and
ý If you want to contribute blankets, scarves or beanies for this party or help in any of the other initiatives, contact Estelle Ellis on ellise@timesmedia.co.za