Paediatric Surgical Unit
Paediatric Surgical Admission Ward, Out patient Department and Maternal Facility
A Vital Service for Children and Families
The Paediatric Surgical Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital provides essential care for infants and children up to 10 years old with paediatric surgical conditions.
Facilities
Every month, the unit consults with over 1,500 patients, ensuring they receive the necessary treatment and follow-up care, sometimes spanning several years.
Paediatric Surgical Admission Ward – For in-patient care and surgical procedures.
Paediatric Surgical Outpatient Clinic – Dedicated to non-urgent referrals, consultations, and long-term follow-ups.
Parental Sleep-Over Facility – Providing parents with a place to stay close to their hospitalised children.
The New Facility
A Milestone Achievement
In November 2017, a significant step forward was made with the completion of a new Paediatric Outpatient and Parental Sleep-Over Facility at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
This was made possible through generous contributions from GSK, Mediclinic, Surgeons for Little Lives, and in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health and other supporters.
The official launch on 29th November 2017 was a proud moment for everyone involved. This new facility has vastly improved the experience for both young patients and their families, and we are grateful to all those who supported and attended the launch event.
Parental Sleep-Over Facility
Keeping Families Together
Before the establishment of the Parental Sleep-Over Facility, parents were unable to stay with their hospitalised children. While some families lived close enough to visit regularly, many resided far away and could only see their children on weekends, if at all.
The impact of this separation included:
- Increased child anxiety and feelings of abandonment.
- Heightened parental distress over their child’s well-being.
- Additional strain on nursing staff, who had to take on parental responsibilities alongside their medical duties.
With this new facility, families now have the opportunity to stay close, reducing stress and promoting better recovery for young patients.
The Journey to Better Care
Previously, the Paediatric Surgical Clinic operated from a small, two-roomed prefab building.
One room served as a waiting area for up to 80 patients and their caregivers, while the second was a single consulting room where up to eight doctors worked simultaneously, along with medical students and nursing staff.
The lack of space and privacy made patient care challenging.
Today, thanks to the combined efforts of donors, medical professionals, and community support, the new facility provides a modern, well-equipped environment that ensures a better experience for children, families, and medical staff alike.
The transformation
How you can help
Although the playground is now operational, continued donations of playground equipment and maintenance support are always welcome to keep this space a joyful retreat for our little patients.
