Arwyp Medical Centre’s four decades of legacy, compassion, and community trust

As part of its 40th birthday celebrations, Arwyp Medical Centre’s CEO and board of directors unveiled a milestone wall and commemorative plaque honouring the hospital’s founding members, Dr W Wypkema and Mr PJKM Arendsen, both of whom have since passed away.

Located next to the hospital’s gift shop, the milestone wall features a timeline showcasing the hospital’s history and growth from its establishment through to 2023.

The unveiling formed part of wider celebrations at the hospital, with Arwyp CEO and board of directors also reflecting on the institution’s growth and legacy.

Speaking to the Kempton Express, hospital director Agatha Smith said the milestone reflects the remarkable growth achieved since her father, Dr Wypkema, first pursued his vision of establishing private hospitals in 1970.

Smith said it is a privilege to be part of a legacy. “The wall is a reminder to our patients that the hospital has followed such a roadmap over the years and still has a long way to go in serving the community. It should remind our patients of our goal to continue holding hands with both staff and the community, to stay ahead of developments in healthcare and to maintain the vision of being an excellent facility with world-class standards,” said Smith.

Paediatrician Dr Jannie de Witt, who has been associated with the hospital for more than 34 years and continues to practise there, said the quality care and service provided to patients are reflected in the hospital’s longevity and growth.

Belinda Durand, who has also spent 34 years at the hospital, said the love, support and care shown to both staff and patients have remained constant throughout her time there. “Once you are a part of the Arwyp family, you are a part of it for life,” said Durand.

Hospital management and staff expressed their gratitude to the community for its continued trust and support, noting that the hospital’s growth and success would not have been possible without the community it serves.

---

Arwyp Medical Centre marked a major milestone on May 25, celebrating 40 years in the healthcare industry with the unveiling of a new milestone wall and plaque honouring its founding members, Dr W Wypkerna and Mr PJKM Arendsen, both of whom have since passed away.

“The wall is a reminder to our patients that the hospital has followed such a roadmap over the years and still has a long way to go in serving the community.

“It should remind our patients of our goal to continue holding hands with both staff and the community, to stay ahead of developments in healthcare and to maintain the vision of being an excellent facility with world-class standards,” said Smith.

Celebrations extended beyond the hospital walls, with Arwyp launching a week-long outreach programme across Kempton Park and surrounding communities.

Student nurses from the Arwyp Training Institute, along with staff and senior nurses, visited several schools and care facilities, including Laerskool Impala, Thuthuka Primary School, Con Amore, Casa Caritas and Thembalami Care Centre, among others.

During the visits, learners received gifts such as colouring books, crayons, bubbles and were given the opportunity to tour an ambulance.

Student nurses also engaged with children through songs, dance and interactive activities, teaching them the importance of hand hygiene and oral health.

At some sites, they assisted with playground improvements by painting jungle gyms and play areas, while at Casa Caritas, they spent time playing with and feeding residents.

At Thembalami Care Centre, they also hosted bingo sessions with elderly residents.

Arwyp Training Institute principal Dr Annelize de Villiers said the initiative was about celebrating the milestone with the same community the hospital serves.

“If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” said De Villiers. “It is about honouring the community and the schools, and showing learners that medical staff are not scary people. These initiatives show that we are approachable and caring.”

Staff involved in the outreach programme said the initiative reflects the hospital’s commitment to both community upliftment and staff development, contributing to its longevity and the trust it has built over the years.

Thembalami Care Centre manager Esme van der Walt said the long-standing relationship between the institutions continues to be meaningful.

“We are very happy knowing that we can play a part in making a better nurse through giving them practical experience working with the elderly who are vulnerable,” she said.

She added that community engagement initiatives strengthen trust and awareness, while highlighting Arwyp’s role in caring for the communities it serves

Kempton Park SAPS and the Kempton Park civic centre also formed part of the celebrations, where student nurses provided free health services including blood pressure checks, BMI screenings, pap smears and general health awareness education on conditions such as stroke and rodent-related health risks.

SAPS media liaison Sergeant Dipuo Ditshego expressed appreciation for the initiative “We feel honoured to have such events. Community participation was strong today and deeply appreciated, especially as healthcare services are often costly. Arwyp offered these services for free,” she said.

“Initiatives like this are eye-openers and help people understand their wellbeing and where to go for help.”

Hospital management thanked the commimity for its continued trust and support, saying it has played a vital role in Arwyp’s growth and success over the past four decades

Click here to visit our website