PAID CONTENT: Mediclinic Newcastle
A new chapter in healthcare is unfolding at Mediclinic Newcastle, where a sense of excitement and optimism now fills the hospital following the launch of its newly established paediatric unit.
The milestone moment came as staff welcomed their first group of young patients into the facility, marking the beginning of a service designed to strengthen specialised child healthcare for families in the Newcastle area.
The unit was formally unveiled at the end of February 2026.
Among the first patients admitted was 17-month-old Luminaathi Nkabinde. For his mother, Thuthukile Nkabinde, the experience proved both reassuring and uplifting.
“My little one’s eyes lit up when we walked into the unit, taking everything in. As a mother, I found the paediatric unit to be a breath of fresh air. My baby wasn’t scared in the slightest, and I’ve been able to stay by his side without any discomfort. The experience has truly been remarkable.”
The paediatric unit itself was introduced after several years of planning and preparation. Throughout that time, the Mediclinic Newcastle team worked extensively to ensure the facility would be capable of making a meaningful and coordinated impact on the local community.
At the same time, its design ensures that parents can remain alongside their children during hospital stays — an approach that helps maintain comfort and connection at moments when reassurance matters most.
Senior Professional Nurse, Sarika Premalal, who is in charge of the unit, explained that the first patients were transferred into the new space on Monday afternoon, 9 March 2026.
On that day, the young patients were carefully moved from the hospital’s temporary paediatric unit into the new, world-class unit.
“It is really exciting to be part of this,” she said. “The nursing staff never expected the unit to be so beautiful. Seeing the space for the first time and the expressions on everyone’s faces on Monday when we brought the children in, was truly special.”
Meanwhile, Thandeka Chili, Mediclinic Newcastle Night Manager, described the first evening in the new unit as a particularly meaningful moment for both staff and families.
“There was a real sense of excitement among the staff, the mothers and even our little patients. The night went very well, and the overall atmosphere was extremely positive.”
Building on this, Chili noted that the response from both families and healthcare professionals has been overwhelmingly encouraging.
“Both staff and parents have commented on the beautiful, spacious environment, which creates a calm setting that supports excellent care and clinical practice for our young patients,” she added.
Newcastle paediatrician Dr Eugene Govere, who was in the unit at the time, also highlighted the broader significance of the new unit for families across the region.
While acknowledging that staff are still settling into the facility, he emphasised that the service represents an important step forward in ensuring accessible paediatric care, closer to home.
“Parents will no longer need to travel long distances with their children to access treatment. With the establishment of this new paediatric unit, which offers sufficient beds and the necessary treatment facilities, patients can now receive high-quality care locally. The team at Mediclinic Newcastle remains committed to providing exceptional care to our young patients, while ensuring that parents can remain comfortably by their children’s side throughout their treatment.”
For many parents, however, the impact of the new environment has already been evident.
Nombuso Njeko explained that although it was the first time her three-year-old daughter, Nala, had been admitted to hospital, the welcoming layout and supportive staff helped ease their anxiety.
“Both of us were able to sleep well on our first night here. I must admit, the paediatric unit at Mediclinic Newcastle is really good, and the nursing staff are wonderful,” she said.
She further added that the bright colours and thoughtful design of the unit created a calming environment for both mother and child.
Similarly, Professional Nurse Owen Mthembu, one of the nurses assigned to the paediatric unit, reflected on the significance of the transition for hospital staff.
“The nurses were fortunate to bring the patients in, and walking into the unit has been a breath of fresh air. Seeing our patients’ faces light up, and their parents being comfortable, makes this journey even more special.”
He further noted that the layout of the unit was carefully designed with both patient comfort and infection control in mind.
The generous spacing between beds and the overall size of the unit help reduce the risk of germs spreading, supporting both clinical care and a more relaxed environment for children receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, Londi Mthembu, who spent the night in the unit with her three-year-old daughter, Nandi, said the new facility exceeded her expectations. Having previously experienced the hospital’s temporary paediatric unit, she explained that the upgraded space offers a noticeably improved environment for both parents and children.
“The unit is beautiful. It’s filled with colour for the children, but it also offers space and privacy, and the nursing staff are wonderful,” she explained.
Additionally, she added that both she and her daughter were able to rest comfortably, thanks to the spacious layout, child-friendly décor and the reassurance of being close together.
Likewise, Fikile Khanye, whose one-year-old son Zizonotha was admitted on Monday, also recalled her experience with the previous temporary facility.
While she praised the care provided there, she noted that the new unit has elevated the experience for families.
“The service at the other unit was great, but my son and I feel more comfortable in the new unit. It is really amazing, and the treatment we receive is wonderful,” she said.
Moreover, the opening of the paediatric unit at Mediclinic Newcastle represents far more than the addition of a new unit. It reflects years of vision, planning and dedication, culminating in a space designed to place children and their families at the centre of care.
For many families in the region, it means that specialised treatment is now available closer to home, reducing the need for long journeys at already stressful moments.
At the same time, the thoughtful design of the unit — from its vibrant colours to its spacious layout and family-friendly facilities — ensures that young patients enter an environment created not only for medical care, but also for comfort, reassurance and connection.
For the first children and parents who have already experienced the new unit, the impact has been immediate. Moments of uncertainty have been softened by warmth and support, while the presence of parents at their children’s side continues to bring comfort during treatment and recovery.
As the unit begins its journey, each young patient who passes through its doors will form part of a growing story of care, resilience and healing.
With a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and a facility designed with children in mind, Mediclinic Newcastle’s paediatric unit stands ready to support families across the region — offering both clinical excellence and compassionate care when it matters most.
What are your thoughts on this? Be sure to let us know below.
