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In December 2025, Friends of KDH launched the Mothers’ Lounge and Kitchenette at Khayelitsha District Hospital — a small but important project designed to support mothers whose babies are admitted to the Nursery and Kangaroo Care Ward.

Many of these mothers remain in hospital for extended periods while their babies receive treatment or grow strong enough to be discharged. During this time, there was previously no dedicated space where they could rest, sit comfortably, or take a short break from the wards. This project set out to address that gap in a practical, realistic way.

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A Simple, Comfortable Space

We transformed an unused, bare lounge into a comfortable, welcoming area where mothers can sit, rest, and spend time away from the clinical environment. The space includes basic but thoughtful elements such as comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a television — helping to ease the strain of long hospital days.

While modest, the lounge offers mothers a place to pause and gather themselves while remaining close to their babies.

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Supporting Daily Needs

Alongside the lounge, we added a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, kettle, and washing machine. These facilities allow mothers to store and heat food and wash clothes — simple things that make a real difference when someone is living in hospital for weeks at a time. Access to basic kitchen facilities also supports better nutrition, particularly for breastfeeding mothers.

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A Shared Space in action

The lounge is used by mothers from both the Neonatal Unit and the Kangaroo Care Ward, giving them a shared place to sit, talk, and support one another. Over time, many women form connections as they move through similar challenges and milestones with their babies.

The Mothers’ Lounge and Kitchenette is now fully in use and supporting mothers during a difficult period of their lives. While it is not a luxury space, it meets a real need and adds practical support where it was previously missing.

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Giving thanks

This project was made possible through the generous support of Truworths, whose partnership helped fund the space. We are also grateful to Helen Drabbe, who volunteered her time to manage the project from start to finish, ensuring it was completed with care and attention to detail.

We are proud to have delivered a project that is simple, respectful, and responsive to the realities of care at Khayelitsha District Hospital.