Quinton Boucher Newcastillian
With COVID-19 taking humanity by storm, we have all come to learn how the medical sector and all who call it home, put their lives on the line for the greater good of others. This level of selflessness and bravery is truly something to be admired and through a memorable initiative from Mediclinic Newcastle, is now immortalised. Giving people the opportunity to admire the heroes, who stood courageously side by side, fighting an invisible enemy.
Honouring these extraordinary people, Mediclinic Newcastle unveiled their memorial wall on 27 August 2020. A permanent fixture within the hospital, paying tribute to the heroes within Mediclinic Newcastle.
The purpose of the wall is to acknowledge the sacrifice made by doctors, nurses and other staff. It stands as a tribute for years to come, allowing future generations to admire the selfless work these individuals carried out in a time of crisis.
Unveiling the Memorial Wall, Newcastle Mayor, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba started the proceedings, sharing his thoughts with guests.
“When everything started with COVID-19, no one really knew what to expect,” he began. However, as people witnessed the virus spreading faster around the globe, a sense of uncertainty and fear struck Newcastillians when COVID-19 arrived in Newcastle. Dr Mahlaba says it is then, that people truly knew COVID-19 was real.
Dr Mahlaba went on to celebrate the hospital staff’s commitment by stating. “You all worked like true soldiers, never leaving the war zone and I commend your dedication.”
The renowned Dr Josh Matambo, chairman of Mediclinic Newcastle’s Board of Directors, highlighted that memorial walls such as the new fixture at the hospital can be found around the world. Marking not only a time of crisis; but showcasing those who sacrificed themselves for a worthy cause.
Mediclinic Newcastle, Newcastillian
The Chairman went on to reaffirm the value of the Mediclinic Newcastle Team, seeing them now synonymised throughout history.
“It is an important reminder of those who put their lives and the lives of their families at risk,” he emphasised.
Dr Matambo explained the memorial wall stands as a constant reminder to what can be achieved when people work together.
He went on to say, “The wall serves a greater purpose than our selves. It shows that what we do now, will echo through history.”
Adding to the event’s speakers, Japie Greyling, The Hospital General Manager, extended his heartfelt thanks to all the hospital’s staff and healthcare practitioners, from the cleaners to the doctors and nurses.
Mediclinic Newcastle, Newcastillian
Emphasising how their constant dedication and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, Greyling proudly said, “It is remarkable when someone fell ill, the next person came, picked the flag up and continued”.
Adding to this, Greyling concluded by saying that each and every single individual at the event was a true hero in his eyes. “I thank each one of you, as well as our colleagues from Provincial.”
In these trying times, being able to stop for a moment and appreciate the souls who never faulted in their oath to protect the health and wellbeing of people, is without question something to be treasured.
