Rössing assists Erongo hospitals
N$1.25 million donation
Rössing Uranium has endeavoured to renovate the psychiatric ward at the Walvis Bay District Hospital, build a boundary wall at the Swakopmund District Hospital and procure laundry equipment for the Usakos District Hospital.
Rössing Uranium Mine handed over a donation of N$1.25 million to the health and social services ministry in the Erongo Region yesterday to assist with three different projects at three district hospitals.
The N$1.25 million donation will go towards the renovation of the psychiatric ward at the Walvis Bay District Hospital, the construction of a boundary wall at the Swakopmund District Hospital and the procurement of laundry equipment for the Usakos District Hospital.
Johan Coetzee, Rössing managing director, said in Swakopmund the focus is on bolstering security at the state hospital.
“This is aimed at improving the safety of property at the hospital, which has been compromised over the years,” he said.
“At Usakos, the hospital has been struggling due to the unavailability of its laundry services. At the moment, linens from the hospital are sent to private laundry services in and outside Usakos. This is not just a costly exercise but could compromise the hygiene of patients at the hospital.”
Coetzee added that the renovations at the Walvis Bay District Hospital are necessitated by the need to create a secure environment for the patients housed in the ward.
“The renovation work at the hospital will commence soon, and the project is scheduled for completion on 28 February 2025. Additionally, the construction of the boundary wall at the Swakopmund District Hospital has been completed, and the walls will be painted in the coming weeks. In terms of the laundry machines for Usakos, the supplier has indicated that the machines are scheduled to arrive in the country next week, and installation should be finalised by the end of February 2025.”
Essential services
Coetzee said the company made the donation based on their belief that improving healthcare infrastructure and supporting healthcare professionals is fundamental to the growth and prosperity of the country.
“The health of our people is the foundation upon which all other progress is built and it is essential that we work together to ensure that every individual has access to the care they deserve.”
Erongo regional health director Dr Anna Jonas explained that the ministry has the responsibility to provide health and social services to about 240 206 inhabitants in the region.
“Over 80% of the population depends on the government’s public healthcare system, with most services available for free or at a minimal charge. To keep up with and provide quality healthcare to the community we serve, there is a need to regularly maintain and upgrade our facilities to ensure that patients and clients receive services in an environment that is physically, psychologically and socially safe," she noted.
Significant milestone
Jonas expressed her gratitude towards the mine.
“Contributing to the Walvis Bay District Hospital psychiatric ward is a significant milestone in our commitment to mental health care and the well-being of our patients. This means a lot to our community, our patients and our dedicated staff members. The space where our patients receive care impacts their recovery journey, and improving their environment will foster healing, dignity, hope and safety for both staff members and their patients.”
She added that the installation of the laundry machines at the Usakos District Hospital will free up funds that would have been spent on private laundry services, which can now be redirected to other important services.
“The Swakopmund District Hospital faced challenges such as theft of patient, visitor and staff property. This was possible because of the porousness of the facility; anyone could enter the facility from any direction. With the lifting of the existing wall, it establishes a secure environment for the patients, staff, and visitors," Jonas explained.
The N$1.25 million donation will go towards the renovation of the psychiatric ward at the Walvis Bay District Hospital, the construction of a boundary wall at the Swakopmund District Hospital and the procurement of laundry equipment for the Usakos District Hospital.
Johan Coetzee, Rössing managing director, said in Swakopmund the focus is on bolstering security at the state hospital.
“This is aimed at improving the safety of property at the hospital, which has been compromised over the years,” he said.
“At Usakos, the hospital has been struggling due to the unavailability of its laundry services. At the moment, linens from the hospital are sent to private laundry services in and outside Usakos. This is not just a costly exercise but could compromise the hygiene of patients at the hospital.”
Coetzee added that the renovations at the Walvis Bay District Hospital are necessitated by the need to create a secure environment for the patients housed in the ward.
“The renovation work at the hospital will commence soon, and the project is scheduled for completion on 28 February 2025. Additionally, the construction of the boundary wall at the Swakopmund District Hospital has been completed, and the walls will be painted in the coming weeks. In terms of the laundry machines for Usakos, the supplier has indicated that the machines are scheduled to arrive in the country next week, and installation should be finalised by the end of February 2025.”
Essential services
Coetzee said the company made the donation based on their belief that improving healthcare infrastructure and supporting healthcare professionals is fundamental to the growth and prosperity of the country.
“The health of our people is the foundation upon which all other progress is built and it is essential that we work together to ensure that every individual has access to the care they deserve.”
Erongo regional health director Dr Anna Jonas explained that the ministry has the responsibility to provide health and social services to about 240 206 inhabitants in the region.
“Over 80% of the population depends on the government’s public healthcare system, with most services available for free or at a minimal charge. To keep up with and provide quality healthcare to the community we serve, there is a need to regularly maintain and upgrade our facilities to ensure that patients and clients receive services in an environment that is physically, psychologically and socially safe," she noted.
Significant milestone
Jonas expressed her gratitude towards the mine.
“Contributing to the Walvis Bay District Hospital psychiatric ward is a significant milestone in our commitment to mental health care and the well-being of our patients. This means a lot to our community, our patients and our dedicated staff members. The space where our patients receive care impacts their recovery journey, and improving their environment will foster healing, dignity, hope and safety for both staff members and their patients.”
She added that the installation of the laundry machines at the Usakos District Hospital will free up funds that would have been spent on private laundry services, which can now be redirected to other important services.
“The Swakopmund District Hospital faced challenges such as theft of patient, visitor and staff property. This was possible because of the porousness of the facility; anyone could enter the facility from any direction. With the lifting of the existing wall, it establishes a secure environment for the patients, staff, and visitors," Jonas explained.
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