Meet Faeez

Little Faeez was first treated at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital for meningitis. From there he was transferred to Victoria Hospital. Initially, Dilshaan, Faeez’s mom, was concerned that Victoria Hospital would not be ideal for her child. You see, a few years back Faeez’s older brother was admitted to Victoria Hospital, but the Paediatric section was not yet built. So Dilshaan was brilliantly surprised to see what amazing developments had been made in such a short time.

Victoria Hospital has grown to accommodate communities in and around the South Peninsula. With many more young families reliant on public health care, a plan had to be made. One thing South Africans take pride in is knowing how to make that plan!

With plans to create a bigger, better and more supportive area to house the Paediatric Outpatients’ Department at Victoria Hospital, children like Faeez will have a safe space to play, while their parents are able to observe them as they wait to be seen. It’s amazing how children play no matter where they are or how sick they may feel at the time. Their spirits are so full of joy and fun.

Faeez has since recovered from meningitis and these visits are standard follow-up checks to ensure that he has experienced no lasting damage. Today, the audiologist at the hearing clinic will be doing a very quick and precise audio test. Faeez is confident and comfortable socialising with the other little patients, even in the cramped space. Parents are cautious, but children will play! And we all know that it will be so much better when the new space is ready.

Children have such a good sense of community: they join each other without a second thought, without judgment or apprehension. You just can’t stop them from becoming their own little tribe. With plans for a waiting area that overlooks a safe, outdoor playground for the little ones, the paediatric outpatients medical team feels that it will be both a healthier option and a happier option.

Faeez might be happy playing anywhere, but Dilshaan knows the importance of minimizing viral spread. An open-air play area for her child would set any parent’s mind at ease, it would ensure that these busy little bodies enjoy some healthy distraction while they wait.

Faeez is about to head in to see the audiologist who came from Red Cross to do the clinic here. This kind of sharing is a lot like children’s toys, because love belongs to everybody. Red Cross and Victoria Hospital’s Paediatric department share love, care and expertise generously, because they know who benefits: always the children.

Dilshaan is happy the visit is almost done. It’s a long way home. She and Faeez have to travel back to Ocean View. “It’s a lot closer than Red Cross,” she remarks, “that’s such a relief”.

When you donate, you will help little ones like Faeez to receive quality healthcare closer to their home. 100% of your donations will go towards expanding the currently cramped and under ventilated paediatric outpatient department at Victoria Hospital.

Donate today!