Editor – My mother took ill a few weeks ago and was admitted into the Intensive Care Unit at Ladysmith Provincial Hospital.
To have seen a previously healthy woman wither away so rapidly and be in severe pain left us in no doubt that her days were numbered. Death is a reality and is inevitable, and we braced ourselves for the worst.
Her stay in the ICU was indeed an eye-opener for me and my family.
We are still mindful that death is a prerogative of God Almighty, but we were humbled by the measures taken by the ICU team in particular and the hospital personnel in general to ensure that my mum received the best treatment and care possible.
It is common knowledge that they do not work under optimum conditions, nor do they have the best equipment or resources. But what we found amazing was their ability to utilise limited resources and blend that with optimal humane adroitness to ensure that my mum’s comfort and recovery remained a priority. Slowly but surely, her condition improved and she was moved out of the ICU into the general ward.
A few days ago, she was sent home to be closer to family. The span of her life is still in the hands of our Creator, but we are content in the knowledge that when the call came to respond, the ICU team at the Provincial Hospital rose to the occasion.
Please allow me to express heartfelt appreciation to Doctors Thumaiah, Musoke, Kironde, Harrylal, Gurunand, Madombwe, Sigwaza, Kassim, Mulla, Richards and Bhayat. Also to the entire ICU team, as well as Yash and Natasha from Sharaj Ambulance Services. May God Almighty guide their hands as they work unheralded, often criticised, many a time beyond the call of duty, not for name or fame, not for monetary dividend, but to ease the plight of the patient and in service to humanity.
We would also like to thank all family members, friends and well wishers for their support and prayers.
