The Groote Schuur Hospital Neonatal Unit was built during the early 1970’s and currently struggles to accommodate 21st-century technological developments and equipment. Housing 75 neonatal beds, the unit is overcrowded and has only a quarter of the amount of space needed for the number of patients cared for.

Through the Children’s Hospital Trust – which advances child healthcare through the Red Cross Children’s Hospital – a UK-based South African donor has stepped forward to fund the renovation in memory of his maternal grandparents, Jack and Ruby Abelsohn. Jack Abelsohn was the first senior resident anaesthetist to be appointed at Groote Schuur after it was officially opened in 1938. He remained associated with the hospital throughout his life, continuing to work there as a consultant until his untimely passing in 1979. It is fitting that the upgraded Neonatal Unit should bear his name. The Trust has fundraised R40-million for the project, while the Western Cape government has contributed R5-million.

The CEO of the Children’s Hospital Trust, Louise Driver, says, “Globally, nearly three million newborn babies die each year. In the Western Cape, the Red Cross Children’s Hospital works very closely with the Groote Schuur Neonatal Unit to ensure that neonates are given the best chance of survival. The Trust works through the Red Cross Children’s Hospital to advance healthcare across the continent. By strengthening facilities such as the Groote Schuur Neonatal Unit, we can alleviate the demand on the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.”

The CEO of Groote Schuur Hospital and chairperson of the Newborns Groote Schuur Trust Board, Dr Patel, says, “The Newborns Groote Schuur Trust secured a R5-million contribution towards phase one of this project from the Department of Health, but would not have been able to proceed with the upgrading of the Neonatal Unit without the full support of the Children’s Hospital Trust. Working together in this way and investing in the care provided to prematurely born babies, we can ensure that all our tiny patients get the best possible start in life.”
 
The Children’s Hospital Trust is also currently fundraising for Milk Matters, a Western Cape donor expressed breastmilk bank, that provides donated breastmilk for hospitalised premature babies.

The renovation of the Groote Schuur Neonatal Unit will improve neonatal health care across the province, preventing neonatal infections, increasing space in the unit, improving efficiency and workflow, and providing an environment that is conducive to the physical and emotional health of babies, parents and staff.

For more information visit chtrust.org.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on LinkedIn.