6 June 2006
A Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital matron, who used her own car to transport
patients, was honoured by the Gauteng MEC for Health Brian Hlongwa at a dinner
with stakeholders last night.
Matron Tsalerato Mthombela, endeared herself in the hearts of her patients
when she took extraordinary measures to transport them from Chris Hani
Baragwanath to St John Eye Hospital as flu drove people to the hospital in huge
numbers.
In a week in which 500 patients a day sought treatment for flu at the
hospital, Mthombela took six trips in her own car transporting 25 patients. The
story of her extraordinary effort was reported in the Sunday Times Metro last
weekend.
Hlongwa described matron Mthombela as the embodiment of âcompassion,
commitment and a sense of dutyâ that was required to build a quality health
care system in the province.
Accepting her gift from the MEC, Mthombela said her fatherâs words gave her
the drive, commitment and dedication for her work.
âMy father used to say you must conduct yourself in a manner that makes me
proud. When people talk about you in my presence not knowing that I am your
father I must be able to say that is my child.â
For more information please contact:
Simon Zwane
Tel: (011) 355 3503
Cell: 082 551 9892
Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Government
6 June 2006
