As COVID-19’s presence in Nelson Mandela Bay looks to be receding, there has been an outpouring of thanks from the community to healthcare workers who have taken care of their patients over the course of the pandemic.
The general manager of Netcare Greenacres Hospital, André Bothma, said that a number of donations from the community have been made to convey their gratitude to healthcare workers, including nurses, cleaners, porters, catering and security, at the hospital recently.
One such donation, made by a grateful anonymous donor, was for 800 parcels of meat to the value of about R100 000.
“This exceptionally kind donation was facilitated by Continental Butchery and Deli, which had previously donated morale raising milk tarts to everyone at the hospital,” said Bothma.
He added that St Saviour’s and St Hugh’s Anglican churches, in association with Sunridge Super Spar, donated a number of snack packs to the nursing staff at the hospital recently, while Greenacres Checkers delivered flowers to the hospital. One of the gynaecologists practising at the facility also bought chocolates for all hospital workers on Women’s Day to show his appreciation for their dedication and bravery during the pandemic.
“The pandemic has been an exceptionally taxing time for all of the dedicated healthcare workers at our hospital and we are most grateful to all individuals and businesses within the community who have acknowledged their considerable efforts in such special ways. It is a wonderful recognition of the critical role they have played in supporting our patients over this period,” added Bothma.
Elana van Rooyen of Continental Butchery and Deli said that the butchery and the anonymous donor appreciate the sacrifices staff at Netcare Greenacres Hospital have made to keep so many members of the community safe.
“Your hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated. We hope the meat pack will make for a lovely braai or at least a couple of fine family meals. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do,” she said.
Reverend Sharon Nell of St Saviour’s Anglican Church said the church wanted to support the National Exceptional Nursing Campaign, which seeks to acknowledge the important role that nursing staff around the country have played during the pandemic. The church elected to celebrate the nurses at Netcare Greenacres Hospital, among other beneficiaries.
“We approached Sunridge Super Spar, which kindly agreed to supply the goodies for the food parcels. Our church members then made up the snack packs, which are a small token of our appreciation to the nursing staff at the hospital. We are most grateful for how they bravely put their lives on the line at this time to serve the ill members of our community,” concluded Reverend Nell.
