Rusty brings healthy cheer to young patients
Pediatric patients are offered fun, healthy meals, and colouring-in activities during their stay in hospital.
An innovative paediatric catering programme was introduced at Netcare Pinehaven Hospital on Tuesday, 12 September.
The Rusty the Rhino programme was developed by the Compass Group and Medirest, Netcare’s catering service supplier.
Netcare Pinehaven Hospital General Manager, Marietha van Vuuren, said the programme heralds a new approach to paediatric catering in that a rhinoceros character, Rusty, is expected to make the hospital experience more pleasant for children. The programme is being introduced in all Netcare hospitals with paediatric wards countrywide.
“When children are admitted to hospital they invariably feel anxious about being away from home. We strive to make our paediatric wards a welcoming environment for our young patients. Children who are unwell and in the unfamiliar surroundings of a healthcare facility often require a little extra coaxing to encourage them to eat, as maintaining good nutrition is a very important part of their recovery process,” explains Marietha.
As part of the programme, young patients will receive special Star Award stickers as rewards for taking their medicine and eating their meals. Rusty the Rhino colouring-in materials and other fun activities are part of the programme to keep children entertained while in hospital. On their discharge, each child will also receive a ‘bravery award’ certificate.
Regional Director Netcare Gauteng South West, Sandile Mbele said on 30 September, the hospital will be two years old, as it opened in 2015.
“One of our major concerns is to make young patients to feel at home as much as possible, though taking bitter medicine makes this a difficult place to be, but we can make it fun,” said Sandile.
Medirest Regional Manager, Cherryl Farquharson said Medirest is the medical section of the business that they take care of and they have the entire contract for catering for Netcare, throughout the country.
“Rusty the Rhino is a product of our American home company. We decided it was appropriate to name the South African mascot after the rhinoceros because of the its endangered status – we are trying to preserve rhinos in a fun way and to put children at ease during their stay,” said Cherryl.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Rusty the Rhino with his big smile in our hospital. We look forward to seeing the smiles of our young patients as they enjoy the special children’s menus and fun activities during their stay at Netcare Pinehaven Hospital,” Marietha concluded.
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