Cape Town - Christmas carols filled the halls and wards of Groote Schuur Hospital as hundreds of patients received grocery hampers on Wednesday.
The hampers were distributed to 800 in-patients who will spend the festive season away from their families and homes.
They were also visited by Stormers rugby players including Sazi Sandi and Saalman Moerat in the pre-Christmas celebration event, back following a break due to Covid-19.
The patients beamed on Wednesday when Groote Schuur staff and volunteers moved from ward to ward, with a band playing festive music.
The hospital’s Mogamat Yusuf Anthony said the purpose of the event is also to interact with patients, many of whom were on their own during a time traditionally spent with family.
“The patients who are here don’t get a lot of visitors, and most of their families are far out as well, so this is our opportunity to interact with all of them, and to make sure that they are okay, and are in a good space.
“If you don’t get visitors at this time of the year, you don’t have anyone to talk to, so we are doing that on their behalf,” said Anthony.
Patient Rehana Petersen was overcome with gratitude.
“It’s very overwhelming because it’s not everyday that something like this happens,” said Petersen.
Nurse Ingrid Wyngaard said she was glad the initiative was back.
“It’s very inspiring for us as well as for the patients.
“Many patients are in hospital during the festive season, and it’s crucial to see a smile on their faces – it just puts a smile on my face”.
Cape Times