New paediatrics rehabilitation centre opens at Evander Hospital
The upgraded facility is expected to increase treatment capacity, provide a dedicated space for paediatric rehabilitation and enhance multidisciplinary, play-based and family-centred therapy services.
The official opening of a rehabilitation facility for children with cerebral palsy and autism took place at Evander Hospital on July 15.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Mpumalanga MEC for Health Sasekani Manzini, Govan Mbeki Municipality Executive Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma and stakeholders.
The newly developed infrastructure, valued at R2.59m, forms part of a Nelson Mandela Day initiative and was donated by Cedzeni Enterprise in partnership with Eskom, Sisa Inspection, IWC and HP Marketing.
The upgraded facility is expected to increase treatment capacity, provide a dedicated space for paediatric rehabilitation and enhance multidisciplinary, play-based and family-centred therapy services.
It will also improve efficiency, reduce waiting times and support early intervention programmes aimed at achieving better long-term outcomes for children with developmental challenges.
According to Gene Symonds-Kleinsmidt, chief occupational therapist, early detection and intervention are critical for children with neurological developmental conditions.
“Every child is different. The sooner you intervene, the more beneficial the therapy is. We have every profession at hand, from dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and audiology therapists,” said Symonds-Kleinsmidt.
She explained that mothers and caregivers of children with disabilities are also provided with home programmes to continue therapy outside of the hospital environment.
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“This is not just a once-off gift; it is a lifelong tribute. This is one of the greatest achievements. Thank you to all the stakeholders involved,” she said.
MEC Manzini welcomed the upgrading of the facility and praised the partnership that made the project possible.
“This is what Tata Mandela would love to see, an investment in the lives of our people and children. This investment will go a long way,” said Manzini.
“This is what we want to see. If you want to invest, invest in the lives of our people and in the Department of Health.”
Mayor Zuma thanked all stakeholders on behalf of the community for their contribution.
“This state-of-the-art facility will continue to accommodate all sectors of health that require attention,” said Zuma.
The facility serves 20 children with cerebral palsy and 15 children with autism, with many more expected to benefit from the improved services in future.
Additional upgrades completed at the hospital include improvements to a waiting area to make it more wheelchair-friendly, the revamping of an old incinerator room, replacement of the nursing school entrance, upgrading of the medical waste storage area, replacement of two fire hydrants and four water gate valves, repairs to the admissions filling bay and the installation of steel shelving.
