Peter Rawson and Gavin Bean at the entrance to the newly refurbished Child Psychiatry ward at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
Ward 80 at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, which cares for children in need of psychiatric support, has been refurbished thanks to the Kirsty Watts Foundation and a host of supporters, including Trellidor.
Serving the community
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in the world. It serves the local community as well as being a referral hospital for many parts of South Africa and countries around us. The Child Psychiatry Ward was in dire need of refurbishment when it was taken over as a project by the Kirsty Watts Foundation.
According to Dr Helen Clark, Child Psychiatrist (Ward 80), We were working in desperate conditions with children that had experienced multiple traumas. The ward conditions left a lot to be desired and made the healing of these children that much more difficult.
The Kirsty Watts Foundation was initiated by Kirsty Watts after undergoing treatment for a brain tumor as a teenager. I was one of the lucky ones. I was being treated by the most amazing doctors at the best hospitals and treatment centres in the country. Many kids in our country don’t get the opportunity to get the kind of treatment and support that I’ve had.
So with the blessing of her parents Belinda and Derek (of Carte Blanche fame), Kirsty started a foundation to make the lives of less fortunate children better wherever she can.
Working together to create a healing environment
The foundation took on the upgrading of Ward 80 two and half years ago, working closely with the doctors, staff, administrators, architects and builders to get the project off the ground. It finally became a reality in August 2014.
At the opening of the newly refurbished Ward 80, Kirsty Watts Foundation trustee Belinda Watts said that when the building work started in January 2014 they had only raised half the money needed.
We needed companies to get involved and everyone approached said yes. They all made this happen and all touched my heart with their generosity, she said.
Trellidor contributed barrier security for all the doors and windows in the ward. Trellidor Franchise Manager Gavin Bean said that over 30 windows were secured with burglar bars and every external door is now protected by security gates.
Trellidor Soweto and Lenasia consultants Charles Mofokeng and Mohammed Pahad did all the measuring and the same franchises installed all the security barriers. We were all thrilled to be part of this wonderful project, working with all the participants to create a safe environment for the staff and children of Ward 80, said Gavin.
Imraan Omar, Mohammed Pahad, Gavin Bean, Charles Mofokeng and Peter Rawson at the opening of Ward 80, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
