The Children’s Hospital Trust has launched a R70 million fundraising campaign to support care at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.
The campaign marks 70 years since the hospital opened and aims to improve access to paediatric services.
The hospital, based in Rondebosch, opened on 18 June 1956. The South African Red Cross Society led a public fundraising effort after World War II to build the facility.
Today, the hospital treats about 250 000 children each year. Over seven decades, staff have treated an estimated 17.5 million children.
Commitment to care
Chief executive officer Dr Anita Parbhoo said the hospital continues to serve children from all backgrounds.
“Our commitment to every child who walks through these doors remains unchanged,” she said.
The Trust will use the funds to buy equipment and expand services. It will also fund extra surgical theatre time to reduce waiting lists. The campaign includes plans to improve short-stay care for young patients.
The Trust will also support specialist services at other hospitals in the province, including facilities in the Cape Winelands.
Public support
Chief executive officer Chantel Cooper said the campaign builds on long-standing public support.
“This hospital was built through community support, and that support continues today,” she said.
The hospital also trains healthcare professionals through programmes such as the African Paediatric Fellowship Programme. The programme brings doctors from across Africa to Cape Town for specialist training.
The campaign forms part of the hospital’s 70th anniversary programme. The programme will include a series that highlights key moments in its history.
Members of the public can support the campaign through the Trust.
