An angel in action is the face of Netcare Rosebank Hospital
A brave man, who has soldiered through a severe infection during infantry, welcomes patients to the Netcare Rosebank Hospital with warmth.
Patients walking into Netcare Rosebank Hospital can expect a warm welcome from the person who mans the reception area. Calvin Franklin is the face of the hospital as he welcomes each patient with warmth.
Franklin started working in Netcare Rosebank Hospital’s radiology department on April 1. His role includes meeting and greeting patients, answering phones, obtaining authorisation for procedures, and capturing patient information, as well as procedure and physician details, among other duties.
It is hard to believe that this professional, calm and collected gentleman has himself been a patient after an infection during delivery affected him.
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During the delivery of Franklin on August 27, 1992, an infection, whose exact cause was never fully established, entered his bloodstream and led to sepsis and gangrene. Shortly after birth, four fingerprints were amputated on his left hand, and reconstruction was performed on the fingerprints of his right hand.
Franklin narrated, “The infection caused further growth developmental issues, which affected my left leg which meant that it became shorter than my right leg. My parents only realised this later on.
“Through the years I have had several surgeries, including a leg-lengthening procedure between 2011 and 2012. This final procedure ensured that I did not develop any additional spinal issues.”
This year marks exactly 10 years since the last operation on his leg. “Apart from some slight pain in the leg or discomfort in my spine caused by a limp, I can honestly say walking for me is a miracle.
“I can still clearly recall the first time I could walk without crutches after using them for more than 16 months.”
Several things throughout his life have kept Franklin going. “I knew I wanted to walk again and that those crutches were a temporary setback. I have had wonderful friends and an extraordinary family to support me, including my sisters, who have always been there for me.”
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He is also part of a choir that fully supports him and even while on crutches, Franklin was still very much part of the team and continued to participate in performances.
“I am also a firm believer and find healing through this. I am blessed in so many ways. In my first job at the reception at Netcare Vaalpark Hospital, I worked on crutches. After all these years, some of my original colleagues still say they would love for me to work there again.”
Hospital manager at Netcare Rosebank Hospital Tendai Makwabarara said that the ethos of care is a core Netcare value. “It is our privilege to assist those who are ill in their time of need, and within this context being in touch with the emotional needs of our patients is what compassionate and person-centred care is all about.
“When a patient enters the doors to our hospital, it is people like Calvin who meet and exceed their needs and embody the person-centred care that we stand for. They make all the difference. We are grateful that people of his calibre are at the heart of the healthcare service we strive to provide.”
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Symptoms of gangrene: [use in block form] Gangrene is the death of body tissue caused by an infection or lack of blood flow. The condition often affects toes, fingers and limbs, but can also affect muscles and organs.
- Skin can be discoloured or have blisters
- ulcers
- fever or low blood pressure
- stiff joints
- reduced sensation of touch
- foul-smelling discharge.
Details: Netcare Rosebank Hospital 011 328 0500.
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