Library at Hillcrest

Last semester I did my practical block at Hillcrest Hospital. Below is an article I wrote for our OT Newsletter, describing my personal venture with my supervisor to create a library for the patients.

The third year students doing their practical block at Hillcrest Hospital this year, put together an excellent initiative of creating a functional library for the hospital.

Through interaction with their patients and learning of their interests, many students realized the need for an in-hospital library system that is easily accessible for all patients. Together with the help of Helga Koch(3rd year supervisor) the students requested for shelves to be donated from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal to Hillcrest Hospital. The shelves had to then be transported from Howard Campus to Hillcrest Hospital. Patients at the hospital assisted in varnishing the shelves and began with the process of data capturing the books onto a data base. With the help of the OT Technician and fellow students the shelves were assembled and the books were separated into genres. The library is now fully functional and already being utilized by the patients.

Many thanks to Claire Jamison(OT3) who assisted in transportation. Also thanks to Felicity Crouch from Tafta and Helga Koch who donated books towards the library, and the students who assisted in setting up the library. It was a brilliant effort and we are hoping this project will be a motivator for future students to create wonderful initiatives at their practical venues