Tonateni Shidhudhu
I recently experienced firsthand the exemplary medical treatment provided by the staff at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital.
As a patient requiring continuous care and monitoring, I was struck by their high level of professionalism.
This experience, contrasting sharply with my childhood hospitalisation and my subsequent familiarity with the varying standards of care in public health facilities, underscored the importance of dedicated and compassionate healthcare.
It is crucial to highlight such excellence to inspire others in the medical field to strive for the highest standards in patient care.
The media often portrays hospitals as places to be feared, especially when facing a serious medical condition.
However, my experience at Lady Pohamba Hospital has profoundly shifted this perspective.
As I registered, and began the treatment process, I was reminded of an Oshindonga idiom: Edhina ekogidho (Names as links). Lady Pohamba Hospital, named in honour of former First Lady madame Penehupifo Pohamba, a distinguished nurse who is known for her humility and dedication to humanity, embodies these values.
Madame Pohamba, an epitome of Florence Nightingale, served with passion, love and exemplary care throughout her career – even during her tenure as First Lady of Namibia.
At Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, I was deeply impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the nursing staff.
Despite their relative youth, the nurses exhibited a level of care and compassion that often made me forget my pain. Their responses to patients, and the assistance they provided were nothing short of inspiring. The camaraderie among the staff felt like a close-knit family, akin to siblings and cousins in a grandmother’s home.
My recovery was not solely due to the medication, but also the unwavering support and care from the nurses under the guidance of Dr Beyers and Dr Nashandi.
I am confident that fellow patients, particularly those in Surgical Ward 3, would echo my sentiments. The culture of care at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital is a model worth emulating across our healthcare system – both in public and private facilities.
Some health professionals cite a lack of resources as a barrier to maintaining high standards of care. However, we must recognise that behaviour is one of the greatest resources we have.
Treating patients with dignity and compassion significantly contributes to their well-being, even in the absence of other resources.
I hope that our healthcare institutions will foster cooperation and engage in exchange programmes to improve the overall quality of care.
Lady Pohamba Private Hospital stands as a beacon of excellence in medical and healthcare, and its ethos should inspire us all to strive for similar standards across the board.