By Kuda Pembere
St Giles Rehabilitation Centre is seeking more than US$100,000 to furnish a newly constructed adult ward, as the institution looks to expand rehabilitation services despite declining donor and corporate support.
The funds will be raised through a fundraising dinner, with hospital officials saying the new ward will only become fully operational once it has been equipped with furniture and medical equipment.
Marketing Assistant Farai Matekaire said the fundraising campaign forms part of the centre’s broader efforts to improve rehabilitation services for people living with disabilities.
“While we are trying to raise funds to put furniture in this ward so that it will be up to standard, we are looking at raising about US$ 100 000 and above.
“We are planning a fundraising dinner to help equip the new ward so that it can be fully operational and provide patients with the standard of care they deserve,” she said.
The appeal comes at a time when donor fatigue and shrinking corporate support continue to place pressure on rehabilitation services.
Despite these challenges, St Giles has continued upgrading its facilities through partnerships with corporate organisations and individual benefactors.
Among those that have supported the rehabilitation centre are the wife of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, Old Mutual’s DripTech initiative and other corporate and individual partners, whose contributions have helped fund renovations and improve patient care.
Recent improvements include the refurbishment of children’s dormitories and adult wards, the provision of new bedding and mattresses, and the installation of an electronic nurse call system to improve patient safety and comfort.
Speaking during a media tour on Wednesday, Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Abel Mazire said the renovations were part of the institution’s ongoing efforts to modernise rehabilitation services.
“The last media tour was sometime last year. Since then, there have been significant improvements, particularly in the children’s section where the dormitories have been renovated. We also acquired new bedding and mattresses for the children,” he said.
He said two adult wards had also been refurbished, with one now equipped with an electronic nurse call system.
“The children’s section is now much safer. The ceilings and floors have been renovated and the environment has greatly improved. For the adults, the electronic bell system has made it easier for patients to call for assistance whenever they need it,” said Dr Mazire.
St Giles provides physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychology, clinical social work, wound care, bowel and bladder management, mobility aids and wheelchair repair services.
“We offer comprehensive rehabilitation services under one roof. We also have a mobility aid shop, a wheelchair repair workshop and specialised rehabilitation programmes that are not widely available elsewhere,” he said.
Despite the infrastructure improvements, Dr Mazire said many families continue to struggle to access rehabilitation services because of financial constraints.
“Many children living with disabilities are raised by single mothers who struggle to meet the costs of therapy, education and accommodation. As a result, not every child who needs our services is able to access them,” he said.
He added that acquiring modern rehabilitation equipment remains one of the institution’s biggest challenges because of the high costs involved.
“Partnerships have enabled us to improve our infrastructure and services. That is why we invited the media to come and see the progress for themselves. It is also about demonstrating accountability for the support we receive from our partners and donors,” he said.
St Giles Marketing Officer Precious Chikore said the media tour was organised to demonstrate how donations received over the years have been invested in improving patient care.
