South Rand Hospital therapists and patients create rainbows
These rainbows provide a symbol of hope during lockdown.
People around the world and in South Africa have displayed rainbows in their windows and outside their houses to spread joy and to show their support for health-care workers.
These rainbows provide a symbol of hope during lockdown.
In South Africa, the rainbow represents the Rainbow Nation led by Nelson Mandela. He wished that South Africa would be a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.
Charis Papageorgiou, occupational therapist at South Rand Hospital, said: “We wanted to give people some sense of peace on Mandela Day during these uncertain times by sharing the colourful rainbow symbol around the hospital.
“The 67 minutes for Mandela Day was a little different this year at South Rand Hospital. Each year the rehab team of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists and patients in the physical rehabilitation ward did their service together.
“This year we painted rainbows to distribute around the hospital. Providing the patients with a chance to participate in Mandela Day, especially while they are isolated in the hospital where they feel detached from their families and the country.
“The patients were given A3 paper, paint and stamps to design a rainbow. This gave them a break to engage in an enjoyable, creative activity while they are working hard and learning to adapt to their new and different way of life.
“Patients personalised their rainbow to support patients from a specific ward where they chose to display their poster. This included the pediatric, nursery, Covid-19 and surgical wards. Posters were displayed at the entrance to each, adding some much-needed colour to the hospital.
“Our country has illustrated unity during the daily challenges of the pandemic. With these rainbows we hope to spread some positivity to staff and health workers.
“Hopefully, these rainbows will provide some comfort to patients and family members who are nervous about their health and the hospital environment. We hope to put a smile on someone’s face, even if it’s hidden behind a mask.”
