PAID CONTENT: Mediclinic Newcastle
Mediclinic Newcastle is undertaking a substantial healthcare development expected to strengthen paediatric services in the Northern KwaZulu-Natal region, while offering reassurance to families seeking specialised medical care for their young children.
Central to this initiative is the construction of a 15-bed paediatric unit at the hospital, reflecting Mediclinic Newcastle’s continued investment and commitment to child-focused care.
Outlining the scope of the project, Mediclinic Newcastle project manager, Jerrie Combrinck confirmed that construction of the paediatric unit formally commenced in April 2025.
He explained that the hospital identified an existing area within the facility and allocated it for a comprehensive redevelopment process involving extensive redesign, rebuilding, and enhancement.
While clinical functionality remained a central consideration, Combrinck emphasised that equal importance was placed on creating a space that supports the comfort, emotional wellbeing, and overall experience of young patients and their families.
These considerations are particularly important because children are highly sensitive to unfamiliar environments and medical procedures, and supportive surroundings have been shown to improve treatment outcomes and reduce anxiety.
“There will be a total of 15 beds, and these will be divided into 13 cubicles for young patients, an isolation unit, and a privacy ward. There will also be showers and ablution facilities for parents and caregivers during their child’s stay. The paediatric unit is set to be transformed with an array of vibrant graphics, with an array of vibrant graphics, with each cubicle featuring it’s own unique animal theme – imagine a Lion cubicle or perhaps a Zebra one,” said Combrinck.
He further explained that there will even be charming little clouds suspended from the ceiling, showcasing how the unit’s design thoughtfully integrates clinical needs with a playful child-friendly atmosphere.
This strategy is crucial, as children become more cooperative and experience reduced stress in environments designed for their developmental needs.
Parents are also better equipped to support their children when facilities are designed to accommodate their presence and comfort.
Beyond the ward layout, the paediatric unit will include a baby washroom, dedicated baby baths, and a treatment room for children admitted to the ward.
Recognising the practical realities faced by families during extended admissions, a small kitchenette has also been incorporated, allowing parents and caregivers to remain close to their children while attending to daily needs without leaving the ward.
Parental presence and involvement are widely recognised as contributing to improved recovery, reduced anxiety, and better overall outcomes for young patients.
Mediclinic Newcastle’s Hospital General Manager, Japie Greyling, spoke about the highly anticipated new paediatric unit, stating that this project fulfils a vision that the board of directors envisioned 10 years ago. Until now, the opportunity to realise this vision had not presented itself.
However, as the project now takes shape, Greyling commended the execution of the project, noting that the team under Jerrie Combrinck’s leadership is the most outstanding he has encountered in his 32-year career in private healthcare.
Moreover, Greyling explained that the project’s success is credited to the dedication and expertise of key contributors, such as Vos Vosloo (Afritech Architects), Gerhard Viviers (Novis Berson), Quantity Surveyors, Willem van der Laan (HA Van Der Laan), and Greg Mason (Duncan Hemingway & Partners).
Additionally, Greyling noted that Sydney Naidoo and Warren Booyesen (SNA Consulting Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) provided invaluable input, along with expertise from Chris Mostert (Umbubane Electrical), Lutz Böhmer (BMS Computing), Theunis Joubert (Kitchen Unlimited (Marc Nugent (Action Air), and Yolanda van der Walt (Metcor Safety).
A special acknowledgment was also given to Robert Ngema who has excelled as the building supervisor for this and various other hospital projects over the past five years.
Mediclinic Newcastle’s new paediatric unit represents more than an expansion of beds or facilities; it reflects a deliberate commitment to child-focused healthcare that places the wellbeing of young patients at the centre of every decision.
By combining specialised clinical care with an environment that supports comfort, familiarity, and parental involvement, the hospital ensures that children can receive treatment in a setting designed to reduce stress and promote faster recovery.
Ultimately, Mediclinic Newcastle is setting a higher standard for paediatric care in the region, fostering an environment where children and their families are supported both medically and emotionally.
What are your thoughts on this new development? Let us know below.
FAQs:
A new 15-bed paediatric unit designed specifically for child-focused healthcare and family comfort.
Construction commenced in April 2025.
It combines specialised clinical care with child-friendly design, themed cubicles, and facilities that support parents staying with their children.
Parental involvement is linked to reduced anxiety, improved recovery, and better outcomes for hospitalised children.
The unit will have 15 beds, including 13 cubicles, an isolation unit, and a privacy ward.
One Response
Thanks to Newcastle Mediclinic management for building such a beautiful ward for young peaple. It’s always good to consider young life in everything we do as a nation.
Again I would like to thank the hospital management for trusting us as Contractors. God bless all the team involved in doing this project a successful one.
Thank you all.
Robert.