Child patients at the Khayelitsha District Hospital have a place to be children again at the hospital’s new therapeutic play area.
The play area, made possible with donations from staff and sponsors, was officially opened on Tuesday December 10.
It is designed to meet the needs of all children including those with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory impairments.
The play area would bring a sense of belonging and normality to the child patients and their parents during a stressful time, said Kate Wade, the founder of Friends of Khayelitsha Day Hospital, a non-profit company that raises funds to support the hospital.
She thanked the staff and sponsors whose donations and support had made the play area a reality.
“We are extremely happy for the generous donation made. We are always looking for ways to ensure that our patients feel good when they are here at the hospital, and we are here to ensure that their journey to regain their health is smooth and undisturbed.
“We are here as a link between corporate investment and Khayelitsha District Hospital with the intention of bringing the best services to the patients of Khayelitsha.
“We hope that this would make a significant difference,” she said.
Dr James Kruger, the director of the provincial health department’s Khayelitsha Eastern Substructure, said it was important for the hospital to help all patients, and giving child patients the chance to play would help them to be children again.
The play area had a vibrant and exciting atmosphere that instantly uplifted one’s spirits, he said.
