Olivedale Hospital hosts World Prematurity Day celebration

Netcare Olivedale Hospital hosted their first World Prematurity Awareness Day celebration on the Friday ahead of the event which fell on Sunday this year. The event has been celebrated every year on 17 November worldwide to commemorate premature children and their families all over the world.

The event was organised by Dr Sharika Maharaj of the Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

The morning was opened with words from the general manager of Netcare Olivdale Hospital Linda Bhagaloo.

“Today we want to honour all the babies as well as their families… To our committed and multidisciplinary team of specialists – I want to thank you.”

Bhagaloo opening was followed by a prayer offered by Sister Monica Mphaphuli who was ushered to address attendees in praise. The pediatrics team then assembled and performed some songs to the audience and were backed up enthusiastically with vocals.

Mom Prudence Makuwa was up next on the programme where she spoke about her journey with daughter Anesuishe. Makuwa offered words of encouragement to the parents who had children born prematurely. Anesu was born prematurely, however, seven and a half years later, she was a beautiful, happy and healthy girl.

Maharaj then gave an insightful speech about the journey of natal care as well as the goals of neonatal departments from all over the world. She also extended gratitude to all the staff members who formed the NICU. Her speech was followed by a musical item from the NICU team, the awarding of prizes by matron Kathy Smith and the cake being cut by the Ramnath family accompanied by specialists.

The NICU family happily enjoyed all the different textures offered at the morning event. Parents in attendance were pleased, with their precious cargo in tow, to be at the hospital while they celebrated the journey they had embarked on.

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