We are currently using one of the surgeon’s offices, but as we grow, we would love a bigger space in a more central area of the hospital so that we can shine our light brightly. We have identified some potential options of rooms that could be converted into a suitable office.

Our hope is to transform the Mental Health Unit into a space more conducive to mental well-being and healing. At present there is poor lighting and visual monotony throughout the ward; the patients wait for long periods of time, with minimal stimulation and relief. We hope to add colour and cheer, promote privacy and minimise the din of noise that inhibits recovery.

At KDH the Mental Health wards are hugely oversubscribed, highlighting the desperate need for services and facilities for those living in Khayelitsha with Mental Health challenges. We have identified a suitable area in the hospital, near to the Emergency Centre, where we could create a much-needed therapeutic space for the many activities and groups that promote healing and restoration.

The KDH Night Matrons have a small, dingy office that is in desperate need of refreshing. Their office is the epicentre of the hospital after hours, and the night or weekend Nursing Manager is based here to maintain care and attention over all hospital activities. It is a vital room from where the smooth functioning of the hospital is controlled after hours. We would love to transform it into something functional and attractive for the dedicated staff who work there.

The loss of a child can be one of the most traumatic experiences of a person’s life. Under-capacitated hospitals do not offer much support for patients as they grieve their loss. Friends of KDH would like to provide parents who have lost an infant, with a small token of their baby’s life - such as framed footprints - along with information on grieving. By providing a meaningful memento, we hope to honour their child's memory and support their emotional healing process.

A large part of our vision is to shine light and bring hope and joy to the patients, as well as encouragement to the staff. Every time we distribute packs, sandwiches, magazines, books etc, we would love to use a brightly branded trolley to deliver these items across KDH.  

We would love to create a dedicated and comfortable lounge space for mothers with babies in KDH’s Nursery (accommodates up to 20 babies) and the Kangaroo Care Ward (accommodates 12 mothers and babies). This lounge will provide a supportive environment where mothers can rest, relax and receive the care and support they need while their babies are undergoing treatment or care; many of these mothers remain in the hospital for a very long time as their babies are too small or unwell for discharge. The space will be designed to help the mothers feel at home - allowing for reduced anxiety and enhanced bonding with their babies.

Our doctors work night and day, seldom having time to rest, but when they do, we would love it to be in a place of comfort and tranquillity.

With the high bed-pressure, there is a constant need for patients to be discharged. Often a lack of transport home delays this process, so if we can facilitate a patient getting home safely by providing R20 for a taxi, we will not only help the patient, but will also improve bed availability.