A large electricity outage in Bonteheuwel nearly cost a man his life, but the quick-thinking staff at Vanguard Day Hospital ensured that he survived.

Power outage sparks urgent call

According to local ward councillor Angus McKenzie, residents of V-block were left without electricity on Friday. “Among the affected families was one facing a particularly frightening situation. A husband and father, who is heavily dependent on an oxygen machine to breathe, was watching his reserve oxygen supply run dangerously low as the outage continued.

“The family reached out to me, terrified that he might not make it through the prolonged power outage. Without hesitation, I contacted the staff at Vanguard Day Hospital and explained the urgency of the situation,” says McKenzie.

Within minutes, the family received a call advising them to come to the hospital immediately. “Upon arrival, the man was attended to without delay and placed on oxygen, ensuring that he remained safe while the electricity outage persisted. Later on Sunday afternoon, once power had been restored, he was able to return home and continue using his own oxygen equipment.

Recognising compassion in action

“Too often, we only hear and share the negative stories. And yes, where services fall short, we must speak about them. But it is equally important to recognise those moments when people go above and beyond. To the staff at Vanguard Day Hospital, thank you. Thank you for your compassion, your sense of urgency and your willingness to act when a family’s greatest fear became a reality. You reminded us that behind every uniform is a human being who chose a profession centred on caring for others.” This story is also a reminder that community matters. Looking out for one another matters. Being available when people need help matters,” says McKenzie.

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