In Assoc with Pioneer Enterprise (Pty) ltdHOSPITAL CHATA Publication of the Far East Rand Hospital

May 2014 Edition 8FREE

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A TRIBUTE TO YELLOW BOY

Born on 30th January 2007, Oyisa “Yellow

Boy” Mgwebi will forever remain close to the hearts of those who were fortu-nate enough to meet him.His struggle with liver

failure told a story of bravery, courage and faith and a thirst for life.He died aged 7 on the 23rd March 2014 and left a hole in the hearts

of many. Social workers Jacobe Botha and Mar-gret Mashiane describe him as a gift from heaven.“Our hearts will forev-er hold the memory of his smile,” says Jacobe.

Margret, although still very emotional about Oyisa’s passing, says she will always remem-ber his fighting spirit.Known as Yellow Boy because of his jaundiced

eyes, Oyisa was a friend-ly boy with a zest for life.He was born with biliary Atresia that resulted in his liver becoming damaged.He was referred to Johannesburg

Charlotte Maxeke Aca-demic Hospital after go-ing to many other hospi-tals with no idea what was wrong, there it was noted that he had liver failure.His first encounter with the FERH came after he was noticed by Trans-port Manager Vusi Ga-mede playing in the streets of Daveyton. His striking yellow eyes and bubbly personal-ity were hard to miss.Vusi made sure that he introduced the boy’s family to the so-cial workers at FERH.The relationship that en-sued became one of a fa-ther son and soon Yellow Boy was a familiar face in the hospital as social work-ers tried to raise funds.In 2010 Yellow Boy, his mother, grandmother, Vusi Gamede, and Margret Mashiyane got the op-portunity to travel to Cape Town to re-ceive a new liver.In 2012 FERH was recog-nise and awarded for its efforts to get Yellow boy help with his condition.He will forever be re-membered by the staff at FERH, Vusi Ga-mede, Margret Mashi-yane and Jacobe Botha. May his soul rest in eternal Peace.“Your spirit inspired us to be as brave as a lion, rest in peace dear boy.”

RIP Oyisa “YellowBoy” Mgwebi

HOSPITAL CHAT Page 2

EditorMr H.Z BudaTel: 011 812 8419Fax: 011 817 3525Email: Hendrik.Buda@gauteng.gov.zadeputy EditorThabile MnguniCell: 079 501 5163Email: thabiwami@gmail.com

Journalist 1.Vuyelwa Bulelwa nakumbaTel: 011 812 8388

Email: vuyelwanak@gmail.com2.Monyaduwe Motsele011 812 8406Email: Monyaduwe.Motsele@gauteng.gov.za

3.Ellen JacobsEmail: Ellen.Jacobs@gauteng.gov.za011 812 8565

4.sudhakar GopalTel: 011 812 8300Sudhakar.Gopel@gauteng.gov.za

5.thabiso MogudiCell: 0734022999Email: Thabiso.Mogudi@gauteng.gov.za

6.sandra nhlapo Tel: 011 812 8300Email: Sandra.Nhlapo@gauteng.gov.za

7. Bongani MahlanguTel: 011 812 8388

8. Molefe rakgoadiTel: 011 812 8300

DistributionDerick Mohanaccounts@alexpioneer.co.za011 485 4461

log onwww.pioneernews.co.za

Editor’s note

Dear Readers,

The month of May has a number of interesting health events; one of them is the World No Tobacco Day which is observed worldwide on the 31st May 2014.

The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six mil-lion people a year.

More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

If you are smoking, please stop. If you do not smoke, don’t start.The Hospital Chat editorial team would like to extend a special thank you to all the nurses worldwide as they cel-ebrate the National Nurses’ Day.

I have worked with Nurses for three decades and I am forev-er humbled by their compas-sion and dedication towards their patients. May they con-tinue to be the modern day Florence Nightingale’s.

Kind Regards,H.Z Buda

Contact Details of the Publication Committee

Taking your medica-tion may seem like the quickest way to recov-er from an illness or a way to help manage a chronic illness, but what happens when medication is taken on an empty stomach?The Esda Frail Care Centre in Springs has committed to making the lives of those tak-ing chronic medica-tion easier by provid-ing them with food.The soup kitchen cur-rently attracts an aver-age of 150 people per visit with the number increasing everyday.Esda is currently pro-viding warm soup varied with pap or bread twice a week at the Osizweni Clinic.Their regular visit to the Osizweni Clinic at the FERH has made a great difference in the lives of those taking their ARV medication.The soup kitchen first started volunteering their services in 1990 and soon became

popular with the pa-tients as the modern day Nightingales. Ntombi Mazibuko and Ephraim Sebi-tane have become fa-miliar faces around the hospital as they provide their services with a smile twice

a week at the clinic.The pair is happy with the response from the patients who have come to under-stand the importance of taking medication on a filled stomach.“This is something that is very close to

our hearts and we know how important this is to the patients, they need the correct nutrition before they take their medica-tion,” says Ntombi.She adds that she is hoping to get the op-portunity to come

FOOD FOR THE SOULevery day as there is a need to help those patients whose medi-cation is given on days that the soup kitch-en is not available.Ephraim adds that although there were initially a few people who felt that they would be stigmatized if they ate the food, but soon saw that there was no need to be shy.“We all need food at the end of the day, this is even more impor-tant for people taking medication,” he said.They also donate 30 loaves of bread per week that are distribut-ed to the different areas in the hospital, includ-ing the mothers who stay all day to look af-ter their children who have been admitted.The soup kitchen is available twice a week on Tues-days and Wednes-day or Wednesdays and Thursday from 8:30am- 11:00am.

Gender rights for allAre you treated

differently in the workplace because you are a woman? Are you expected to do more because you are a man?The staff members at the Far East Rand Hospital were asked the following ques-tions at a gender main-stream course in a bid to understand the dif-ferent gender issues that affect employees.The aim of gender eq-uity in the workplace is to achieve broadly equal outcomes for women and men.A three day gen-der Mainstreaming workshop was held at the Anna Schoe-man Hall where staff members participated in identifying and solving gender is-

sues in the workplace.Kennedy Mbiko of Nhlambeto Health Services facilitated the event and en-gaged staff in discus-sions and case studies.“Gender is still an is-sue in the workplace, and more often than not we assume that it is not a big deal when it is,” he said.Groups were formed and given different discussions to dis-cuss and they were given an opportunity to present this in front of their colleagues.Achieving gender equality is impor-tant for workplaces not only because it is fair, but because it is vitally important to establish a gender bal-ance in the workplace.

A gender balanced institution should have the following:• Workplaces need to provide remuneration for women and men for work of equal or comparable value.• There must be a re-moval of barriers that will allow the full and equal par-ticipation of women in the workplace• There should be full and genuine access to all occupations and industries, including leadership roles for both men and women.• There should be elimination of dis-crimination on the basis of gender par-ticularly in relation to family and caring responsibilities for both women and men

Duduzile Mnisi doing a presentation on gender issues

the nursing staff at osizweni Clinic with the Esda soup kitchen volunteers.

HOSPITAL CHAT Page 3

BECOME A PSYCHOLOGIST

What is psychology?Psychology assists individuals with emotional and behavioural problems by helping them develop insight into their problems and learning new skills and abilities to cope with them.What services are offered?A clinical psychologist can offer the following:• A consultation should be done and an opinion given to a patient regard-ing diagnosis and treatment.• Psychological and neuropsychologi-cal assessment.• Psychotherapy for individuals and families.• Promoting awareness, outreach proj-ects and workshops on various topics related to wellbeing.Who should be referred?Therapy can be offered for a number of difficulties like these:• Mental illness such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar and other psychiatric conditions.• Trauma and other bereavement • Family difficulties such as abuse and divorce• Serve stress and individuals in need of support• Behavioural problems particularly in children Each individual is assessed with regards to their suitability or psycho-therapy and what they benefit from.Therapy can be offered to the follow-ing:• Individuals, children and adoles-cents• Families• CouplesWhere can you study?Psychology can be studied at any of the Universities that offer a degree. The process can become clinical as follows:• Undergraduate degree in psychol-ogy( 3 years)• Honours degree in Psychology (1year)• Masters degree in psychology (2years)• Internship at a psychiatric hospital (1 year)• Community service (1 year)For more information on the psychol-ogy department at The FERH, contact Nicole Bennie on 011 812 8516 or 011 8406.

Career Corner

EQUITY FOR ALLThe employee equity committee is body that has been selected to advocate on be-half of people in the workplace or enter-ing the workplace to make sure they are treated fairly with no discrimination.The team is led and

worked according to the Employee Eq-uity Act which states:“No person may un-fairly discriminate, directly or indirectly against an employee in any employment policy or practice on one or more grounds”

Their main function is to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employ-ment through the elimination of un-fair discrimination.This also includes implementing affirma-tive action measures to redress the disadvan-

tages in employment.Examples of discrimi-nation that can result in discrimination include:• E m p l o y e e s who are discrimi-nated against because of their race, sex, colour, disability or sexual orientation.• E m p l o y -

ment policies that ex-clude certain people from benefits because they are gay, black, old or HIV Positive.• Medical or psychological test that exclude certain people for reasons not related to job performance or job requirements.

Hospital Improvements

The FERH psychology team

The wound clinic

The orthopaedic ward

Quality Assurance Team

HOSPITAL CHATPage 4

GO GREEN THIS WINTER

Our vegetable garden that was

started by the Reapers 4 Sure is starting to show its true colours.The Lets Chat team were excited to see that the spinach plant-ed a few weeks ago has grown into beau-tiful bunches, ready for consumption.In issue 6 of FRH

Hospital Chat we spoke about how the garden was aimed at alleviating pov-erty through job creation and dona-tions to the needy.The vegetables are just in time for winter and can add to any hearty home cooked meal.It is a known fact that spinach is a great source of dietary fibre and a great

source of protein. Spinach can be eat-en raw in a salad or cooked. Spinach is famous for its anti-oxidant properties and protects the body from free radicals.A heart healthy food, spinach is also a great source of Vitamin CBenefits of Spin-ach include:Dark leafy vegeta-bles that are good for the hair and skinSpinach consumption also lowers the risk of developing cancerThe iron proper-ties in spinach help lower blood pressureRegular intake of spinach can reduce the chances of de-veloping asthma

LET’S CHAT According to the Health Calendar, the month of April dedicates a week to vaccination.Jackson Kokong asked staff members if they have been vaccinated in their adult life, this is what they had to say:

Linah Moloi“I was vaccinated for flu at work and I was lucky because I had no negative reaction to the vaccine like others claim.”

“I was vaccinated in the year 2000 and I was happy with how they handled me, I’ll definitely do it again soon.”

“I believe in vaccina-tions as the best way to prevent different illnesses, that is why I make sure I get vacci-nated each year.”

“I was vaccinated in 2007 for Hepatitis and I had no negative reac-tion to the vaccine, it was the flu vaccination that had me feeling ill.”

“I make sure that I get vaccinated every year and each year I cry be-cause of the pain.”

“I was vaccinated for flu at our hospital in 2007, I am yet to vac-cinate again.”

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HOSPITAL CHAT Page 5

No matter how old an expectant mother

can be, the idea of having a child for the first time can be quite daunting.To make things easier for new moms, a collective called BeingMom started an initiate to give mothers a helping hand in their new venture into motherhood.

BeingMom has been operating in South Af-rica for over 30 years. Their primary business activity is the distribu-tion of free information, samples and literature to new and expectant mothers, educating and giving them product samples to help them

through the huge life changing experi-ence of having a baby. They started focusing primarily in the Private Healthcare market, where approximately 95% of new mothers in the sec-tor receive a BeingMom gift pack when they go into hospital to have their

baby. For over 8years, however, they have been distributing samples to new mothers at Govern-ment Hospitals around Gauteng with success. These packs have been funded by clients, wish-ing to promote their products to new moth-ers, who are likely to be

in the market for these products for the first time. BeingMom has also produced a free Baby Care Guide Book for mothers endorsed by Gauteng DOH Direc-torate Maternal Child Health and Nutrition. This Baby Care Guide/Booklet will help an-

swer questions they may have around pregnancy and their new babies. These guides are also given out free of charge to the mothers; we are fully aware of the baby friendly requirements regarding breastfeeding and are fully compliant.

A HEAD START FOR NEW MOTHERS

Jack bows out

After 35 dedicated years of service, Jack Luphondo (66) has retired from the Far East Rand Hospital.Described by colleagues as selfless and hardwork-ing, Jack bade farewell to his team in style as they showered him with gifts and sang songs of praise.

The Stores department had nothing but good tales to share of Jacks bravery, loyalty and dedication to his work.“He was a man who was dedicated to excel-lence and we will al-ways remember him for that,” said a colleague.

HealtH calendarApril- Health Awareness Month

anti-tobacco campaign Month4-11 Hospice Week6-12 Burns awareness Week 8 World red cross day 10 World Move for Health day12 World chronic Fatigue and Immune dysfunction Syndrome day12 International nurses day17 World Hypertension day19 International candlelight Memorial day27-2 June child Protection Week28 International day of action for Women’s Health31 World no tobacco day

Join in on the funMandela Day is soon approaching and we are excited about a day that has seen many good works being done in the name of the late struggle hero.Each department must collect as many coins, shoes and canned non-perishable goods as possible.coin race - collects as many 5c, 10c, 20c or 50c coins as possible. Our aim is to fill the fill the front parking area bay. This will be donated to a charity of our choice. The department that raises the most money using the coins wins.cans4life -Each department must collect as many non-perishable goods as possible, this can include goods like soap, sanitation pads, toiletries and canned foods.Shoe drive -this winter, we want to collect as many shoes as possible that are still in mint condition for the less for-tunate. All shoes are welcome but preferably children’s.All goods must be submitted to the communications unit on a monthly basis. Closing date is 16th July 2014. Win-ners will be announced on 17th July 2014 and the wining department will present the overall collections to charity.The prize is a front page feature on Hospital Chat and a feature on the Gauteng News Newspaper .This will show-case the charity and the winning department celebrating Mandela day.The prize also includes a braai on a Friday afternoon after the Mandela Day celebrations.

For more information call Thabile or Mr. Buda on 011 812 8321 or email hendrik.buda@gauteng.gov.za

His career started off in 1979 when he worked at the hospital which was then situated at Pollak Park, Springs.After working for a few years he was employed to work at the Stores department where he worked until he retired.Asked what advice he would give anyone who wishes to work as hard

as he has, he simply laughed and said there was only one golden rule.“Always listen to your colleagues and treat them with respect no matter how young or old they are,” he said.“I look forward to spend-ing time with my family and resting, I will also be spending a lot of time in my garden,” he said.

Jack Luphondo

Ziphelele Mazibuko( of BeingMom, Frank Mashabu, Whitney Makau & Sister Precious Shabangu

HOSPITAL CHAT Page 6

KNOW YOUR MEDICINEEvery year on the

31st May, World Health organisation (WHO) and their part-ners mark World No Tobacco Day, high-lighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to re-duce tobacco consump-tion.Here are 50 good rea-sons to stop smoking:

1. Quitting decreases the overall risk of death (all causes combined) by 50 percent in fifteen years as compared to continuing smokers. 2. Reduce Heart dis-ease. 3. Reduce chances of a stroke. 4. Reduce the risk of Peripheral vascular dis-ease. 5. Cancer of the lungs. 6. Cancer of the oral cavity. 7. Energy levels in-crease dramatically.8. After eight hours the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.9. Children tend to imi-tate their parents so if you are a non-smoker the possibility is there that the children could imitate the parents.10. Cancer of the throat. 11. Cancer of the oe-sophagus. 12. Cancer of the pan-creas. 13. Cancer of the kid-neys. 14. Cancer of the uri-nary bladder. 15. Cancer of the cervix in women. 16. Incidence of an ob-structive lung disease. 17. Smoking can cause chronic bronchitis. 18. Smoking causes Emphysema.

19. Other substances, known or suspected mutagens that cause permanent, often harm-ful changes in the ge-netic material of living cells. 20. Smoking is respon-sible for more than fifty different medical con-ditions. 21. Women who smoke take longer to become pregnant and are more likely to miscarry. 22. Men who smoke may suffer impotence. 23. Smoking can affect sperm quality. 24. Women who smoke during pregnancy are

more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. 25. Women who smoke are likely to give birth to babies who are pre-mature, stillborn, or die shortly after birth—Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.(SIDS) 26. Toxic tobacco smoke, a.k.a. second-hand smoke, harms others. 27. Toxic tobacco smoke can cause asth-ma in your children. 28. Smoking reduces oxygen to the brain, thus may affect your mental function. 29. Smoking reduces

your ability to perform in activities, such as sports. 30. Smoking increases blood pressure.31. Smoking destroys your brain chemistry. 32. Smoking is a self-ish drug and affects your personality for the worse. 33. Nicotine—a poi-sonous, addictive, drug, has been linked to can-cer. 34. Nicotine is more addictive than heroin or cocaine. 35. Tobacco smoke contains four thousand-plus chemicals.

36. Smoking causes your breath to smell. 37. Smoking causes your teeth to yellow. 38. Smoker’s cough will reduce. 39. Your sense of smell and taste will improve within days of quitting. 40. After five years the stroke risk is reduced to the level of a non-smoker.41. Increased work pro-ductivity. 42. Your family and friends will stop nag-ging you to quit. You’ll have more motivation to do the things that are really important to you.

43. You will contribute less to world pollution44. Constant cough/sore throat will decrease. 45. Respiratory prob-lems will decrease. 46. Reduce your risk of Gum Disease. 47. Non-smokers don’t like kissing smokers. There is nothing sexy about smoking. 48. You won’t feel like a leper in public. More than 70 % of people don’t smoke. 49. You won’t have to lie about your addic-tion.50. Your whole lifestyle changes dramatically.

ANTI-TOBACCO DAY

Picture: www.rocalgm.com

HOSPITAL CHAT Page 7

GOVERNMENT NEWS:OUTCOME 2: A LONG AND HEALTHY

LIFE FOR ALL SOUTH

AFRICANS

FERH SAYS BRING BACK OUR GIRLS

The Far East Rand Hospital (FERH) has joined the millions of people worldwide fighting against the ab-duction of the young school girls in Nigeria.In what can only be de-scribed as a horrific act

of terrorism, the staff at FERH are saying enough is enough.Boko Haram, an Islamic mili-tant group of terrorist, abducted more than 200 girls and threat-ened to sell them. The girls were taken on the

14th of April 2014 from a boarding school in the northern town of Chi-bok. According to news reports, an estimated 200 heavily armed mil-itants arrived at night in 20 vehicles to steal supplies and kidnap

the students. It has now released a video show-ing 136 of the girls. Chief Executive Offi-cer of FERH Dr. Leko-pane Mogaladi says the matter is tragic and he hopes that the girls will be released.“Matters

like these touch the very essence of the souls of our communities and the world, we as a hospital would like to show that we too stand with the world against this,” he said.Staff members around the hospital have been taking pictures with the

signs as well as gather-ing for prayers in their different departments.The location of the girls is currently unknown. Celebrities all over the world have joined in on the campaign with signs and posters written: #BringBackOurGirls

The Department of Health is preparing to launch a pregnancy register which will ensure pregnant women in South Africa receive the support needed to ensure the healthy delivery of their babies. The register is expected to list the names and contact details of preg-nant women. Health spokesperson Joe Maila said the register would assist the de-partment in dealing with infant mortality in the country. The Department wants to make sure that all pregnant women in the country are on the department’s database so that they can be provided with the necessary advice and support they need. It is important for pregnant women to visit ante-natal clinics through-out their pregnancy so that if complications are picked up they can be dealt with immediately. The Department also mentioned that the launch of the register would be done in partnership with the people in order to ensure its effective-ness.

S PORTSHOSPITAL CHAT

VICTORY FOR FERH

It was a match to rival all matches when the zesty Far East Rand Soccer Team faced the mighty Ka-Lethabo Security Soccer Team in a heated soccer match recently.Both teams started the game off with enthusi-asm in a bid to show each other their various skills.FERH made sure that they gave their oppo-nents a run for their money by keeping their defence on lock down.FERH saw its first goal by Mandla Tshabalala who had the crowds screaming his name as the possibility of a win became an option.

As the game became heated more of the play-ers from Ka-Lethabo focused their ball play and soon it was a tight locked game with not a goal post in sight.It was only a matter of time before the ten-sion resulted in a few squabbles on the field.A penalty given to Ka-Lethabo resulted in an equaliser by Mony-aleni Mcube much to his supporters delight.Not to be outdone, FERH put in extra efforts to score their second goal by Mshimane Nkambule.The second half proved to

be just as eventful as FERH sealed the deal with a third goal by Kabelo Moagi.Ka-Lethabo tried in vain to catch up but gave a great display of football skills as they attempted to stop the fiery FERH from scoring another goal.A few minutes before the final whistle blew; Thami Mabaso put the cherry on top of the cake and scored the fourth and final victory goal for FERH.After what seemed like a like a lifetime on the field, the final whis-tle blew with a final score of 4-1 in fa-vour of FERH.

The FERH Soccer Team (red) faced the mighty Ka-Lethabo Security Soccer Team (green)