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On Thursday morning, 19 August 2021, reaching out to the Mediclinic Newcastle staff through her Hug in a Mug drive. The local philanthropist and head of the Fathima Seedat Charity initiative explains how the concept came to be. “I was at the Casualty Unit a few times and I watched how inundated the staff were. I also had an opportunity to speak to some of them, and learned how many had given up their meal breaks and worked longer hours,” explains Fathima Seedat.
Fathima Seedat with Kalin Sheobalak of Lancet Laboratories 
Shanieve Kalicharan from Ampath Newcastle Laboratory with Fathima Seedat 
Hug in a Mug charity handover
Seeing this level of commitment tugged at her heartstrings, motivating her to do something in order to thank the entire ground staff for their boundless efforts. This includes the laboratory staff, cleaners, chef, admin staff, and nurses. “These are tough times, and the hospital staff is seeing death every day.”
This, she emphasises, places an emotional and psychological strain on the staff. Especially, as these individuals are with patients in their final moments. Fathima adds, “I just wanted to thank them for their dedication and show them some form of appreciation.” Using the power of online, she took to her Instagram page, requesting assistance to show the medical staff thanks. Within a matter of days, she managed to raise R12 000—acquiring 630 mugs, coffee, and chocolates to hand over to the Mediclinic ground staff through the funds raised.
During the handover, the Mediclinic Newcastle staff found themselves at centre stage, a feeling of gratitude prevailing, as they witnessed their efforts not going unnoticed.
Nursing Manager at Mediclinic Newcastle, Dr Yvonne Combrinck, stressed that been appreciated truly makes their daily sacrifices worthwhile. On an emotional level, Dr Combrinck says, “It is like putting a plaster over a sore, it helps us deal with the trauma.”
Fathima Seedat says the Fathima Seedat Charity initiative intends to visit the Provincial Hospital and thank their staff as well. However, the community’s assistance is needed. If anyone would like to contribute to thanking the hospital staff who relentlessly give of themselves for others, be sure to contact Fathima Seedat on 083 786 5587.
What are your thoughts on the initiative? Share your views in the comment section below.
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