Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital patients have a new place to play after the old playground was taken down to make way for the hospital’s new emergency centre.
The hospital thanked its donor, Woolworths, at the unveiling
ceremony on Thursday February 20, based at Childsafe South Africa’s premises on the hospital grounds.
Medical services manager Dr Nellis Beyers said there had been a huge outcry after the old play area was closed and they were thankful to their partners, who had made this new area a reality.
“The hospital is blessed to have proactive strategic partners such as ChildSafe, who have opened their doors for this play area,” he said.
Dr Beyers said play time was essential for children as it helped them develop in many spheres.
Trauma Unit head Professor Sebastian van As said it was also important for children to have a safe and secure area to play in. He said the ChildSafe initiative was a game changer and thanked founder Professor Sid Cywes for his foresight in establishing this.
“Parents can bring their children hear and know that they are in a secure environmet,” he said.
Childsafe is a campaign of the Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Southern Africa (CAPFSA) and Safe Kids Worldwide which startede in 1978. ChildSafe is the injury prevention unit at the hospital and aims to reduce and prevent childhood injuries through research, education and advocacy campaigns.
Woolworths head of corporate affairs Lulu Khumalo said this was one of the first projects she was introduced to when she started at the company three months ago. She said the project was close to their hearts as almost everyone had children in their inner circle.
“Collaboration is one of our values. If we come together as partners, irrespective of money, we can achieve so much more,” she said.