Tribute to Emeritus Professor H de v Heese
The Children’s Hospital Trust would like to pay tribute to Emertitus Prof H de V Heese, former head of Paediatrics at UCT, who passed away on Friday 27 January, two weeks after his wife, Margaret. They were married for more than 50 years.
Boet Heese was the second Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, UCT, building on the foundations laid by Findlay Ford and serving as Professor from 1970-1989. This was a time when Paediatrics was in its infancy. Prof Heese was a highly respected academic, having trained in pulmonology in Bristol and obtained his MD in lung function testing. He was known for his outgoing personality, integrity, sincerity, extraordinary vision and superb ability to mentor and develop people. As a consultant at Groote Schuur Hospital he started the first neonatal ICU, raising funds for Fellows and equipment and introducing ventilation of neonates. In 1968 he was appointed as Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of Witwatersrand.
After his return to UCT, the Department grew in remarkable ways under his leadership, becoming a major academic centre and force for child health. The breadth of his contributions is staggering - covering the development of clinical services, training programs and research in child health. He led the development of the Institute of Child Health, of the Child Health Unit, of an expanded platform for general paediatrics, of a number of new paediatric sub-specialties, of the first poisons centre, of a training program for nurse practitioners, amongst others. During his tenure, record numbers of MD and PhD students graduated in the Department of Paediatrics.
He was a great advocate for child health. He leaves a wonderful legacy of many structures that he created or grew and many people whom he mentored who became leaders in their fields. The standing of the Department today and of Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital nationally and internationally is a great tribute to his leadership, vision and many contributions.
Sincere condolences to his son Jake, his daughter Sue and his grandchildren Ashleigh and Abbey.
