15 July 2016
Media Release
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital reaches another milestone
Johannesburg – The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust has achieved another wonderful milestone by completing the construction of the outer shell of the hospital building. The construction phase of the hospital began in April 2014 when the Hospital Trust broke ground and commenced bulk earthworks on land donated by the University of the Witwatersrand.
Just over two years later, the culmination of this momentous process has been realised. To celebrate this occasion, the Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust, Mrs Graça Machel visited the hospital to catch up on the progress of the building. “We are so proud and elated that we have reached this significant milestone. This building is actually a physical manifestation of the kindness of people and various organisations; it takes love to build a society and this building is a symbol of that love,” said Mrs Machel.
This achievement signals the beginning of the commissioning stage, with the installation of equipment, along with the environmental design phase including the interior design, landscaping, artworks and soft features.
About the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Trust is fundraising to reach a target of R1 billion to build and equip the hospital, as well as train medical professionals to work in it. To date R800 million has been raised.
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital will be a world-class, 200-bed, specialised children's hospital that will shape the lives Southern African children and secure the future of Africa. It will work on a referral basis across all its centres of excellence.
The hospital is located adjacent to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg will open in December 2016. This is in close proximity to other medical facilities, and allows for paediatric academic teaching access from the Wits Medical School, maximising operational efficiencies and staffing models.
The hospital will employ approximately 150 doctors and 451 paediatric nursing professionals, as well as allied services.
To donate towards the building of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, SMS “GIFT” to 40301 (SMS cost R20. Terms, condition and administrative costs apply.)
Alternatively, visit www.nelsonmandelachildrenshospital.org for more details and to donate.
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