Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital turns 1

To celebrate the first birthday of The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, The Afternoon Drive team visited the hospital.

To celebrate the first birthday of The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, The Afternoon Drive team visited the hospital on a day that 702 celebrates its 38 years in existence.

So we thought of visiting the hospital here in Parktown, Johannesburg today was a must. And what a visit it's been so far.

Joanne Joseph, Radio Show Host

We've been fortunate enough to be taken around the wards by CEO, Dr Mandisa Maholwana. The overwhelming impression one has is of light, positivity, the friendliness of the staff and some very advanced technology.

Joanne Joseph, Radio Show Host

But if you remember being a kid and having to go to the hospital, you probably also remember how intimidating that experience was; the dingy corridors; the clinical starkness of fluorescent tubes in the wards; just a general feeling of fear discomfort.

Joanne Joseph, Radio Show Host

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I'm happy to report that the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital feels nothing like that. It's bright, there's a friendly, comforting atmosphere, there are playrooms in every ward and there's natural light pouring in everywhere.

Joanne Joseph, Radio Show Host

It really fills me with the hope that every child who walks in here facing a personal battle with their own body, is going to get the medicine and the love they need to recover.

Joanne Joseph, Radio Show Host

Dr Maholwana says it has taken a huge effort to get the hospital to where it is.

It has taken a huge effort from the staff of NMCH itself, all our stakeholders, government, the academics that we work with, the referring hospitals that we work with, international partners and all South Africans themselves who have helped us put this hospital in place and have it look the way it does today.

Dr Mandisa Maholwana, CEO Nelson Mandela Childrens Hospital

Tata wanted us to do things differently for our children, he wanted every child to have an experience at this level so that we don't continue to discriminate against those who don't have much.

Dr Mandisa Maholwana, CEO Nelson Mandela Childrens Hospital

Listen below to the full interview:

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