Edendale Hospital

     We had another long day, but it was very satisfying and encouraging.  We went to visit Edendale Hospital, the former all black hospital, which has had there top 4 floors condemned, but still in use.  The corridors are dark and the hospital is very poorly equipped.  Both the temperature and the humidity were in the 90's which added to the experience.  We were met by Les Hall, the head of the pediatric department and a consultant, Amith, both of whom were very gracious and happy to have us.  I believe that the fact that I have returned is out of the ordinary and they have treated us accordingly.  We also spent some time with another consultant, Annu, from England and very energetic, who started working in Edendale on the day that I visited in April.

     We first visited the lodger mothers' area for Bill to evaluate what he could do.  The area was stark and crowded as pictured above, but Bill was encouraged by the fact that there was something and that the concept was in place.  Again we were told that there was land to build and they were even amenable to its being owned outside the hospital authority.  We spoke to a few mothers who were delighted by the prospect of improved facilities.
     Bill and Hennie left to begin working on getting fundraising going.  Jamil, Larissa, and I then went on long pediatric rounds with Amith.  The quality of the medical staff was good, but there was a complete disconnect with the nurses who did not seem to be doing very much.  It was almost as if the relationship between doctors and nurses was adversarial.  The patient population was pretty ill with HIV and TB being a frequently used diagnosis.  The wards were ill equipped and stark.  We then went o withess a play and stimulation area in keeping with Larissa's work.  It is open for 1-11/2 hours five days or less per week and staffed by a volunteer who is spread between 15 or more kids.  We helped out for this period and will try to connect Larissa with occupational therapy to try to institute programs.
     In all, a day with much encouragement for our project, but up close reality of the situations.
Marty