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On 1 August, Netcare Greenacres Hospital in Gqeberha will mark 40 remarkable years of service — a journey defined by lifesaving care, medical innovation, and a deep-rooted dedication to the community it serves.

Reflecting on this milestone, general manager Reon van Rensburg emphasises that while Netcare Greenacres Hospital has seen significant growth and advancements, its true story is not about buildings or technology. “It’s about the patients who are at the centre of everything, and the dedication and resilience of the doctors and staff who have made the impossible possible. Their steadfast commitment to patient wellbeing truly defines the hospital’s spirit and enduring success.”

What began in 1985 as a humble ten-bed Poli Clinic with six operating theatres has evolved into a modern 340-bed hospital featuring 14 operating theatres, a 24-hour emergency department, advanced cardiac laboratories, and a 35-bed intensive care unit (ICU). Today, Netcare Greenacres Hospital rivals any major city hospital, offering cutting-edge treatments such as robotic-assisted surgery alongside sophisticated neurological and cardiothoracic procedures — all within close proximity to the communities it serves.

“Reaching 40 years is a tribute to the soul of this hospital — its people. It’s about the pioneers, caregivers, and innovators whose compassion and commitment touch countless lives every day. Nowadays, our hospital’s ranks have increased to 480 full-time staff, as well as doctors and allied healthcare professionals. Among this dedicated group are four longstanding employees who have been with the hospital since its earliest days and will soon celebrate their own 40-year milestones – and one of our first surgeons, whose skill and vision laid the foundation for decades of care and innovation.

“Netcare Greenacres has blossomed from its modest origins to become a cornerstone of healthcare in the Eastern Cape. But beyond the technology and facilities, the real story lies in the lives touched, challenges overcome, and the relentless dedication of those who make this hospital more than just a building,” adds Van Rensburg.

Pic: As Netcare Greenacres Hospital celebrates 40 years, its greatest strength remains its people. For the doctors and staff at the hospital, this is more than a workplace — it is a family where every day offers the chance to make a difference, one life at a time. From left to right: Drucilla Kekana, ward administrator; Ruben Stoltz, care worker; neurosurgeon Dr Frik van Aarde; Linda Abrahams, personal assistant to the general manager; general manager, Reon van Rensburg; and enrolled nurse auxiliary, theatre; Liz Rothner.

 

Neurosurgeon Dr Frik van Aarde, one of the hospital’s first doctors, is a living bridge between its past and future. Forty years later, he still operates in the same halls alongside longtime colleagues, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Hendrik De Jonge and anaesthetist Dr Dave Russel. Together, they have performed many complex cranial and spinal surgeries over the years. Dr van Aarde no longer takes emergency or after-hours calls, choosing instead to focus exclusively on major spinal surgeries with his trusted team. He continues to work from the same rooms and theatre where, for decades, his skill and dedication have touched the lives of countless patients. For him, it has always been about the people: the patients, their families, and the colleagues, nurses, and staff who make this hospital a true community of care. “Medical practice has become more challenging in some ways, but the young, talented doctors at Netcare Greenacres Hospital are pushing boundaries with cutting-edge technology – from robotic surgeries to advanced endoscopic procedures, cardiology stents, and vascular innovations. Non-invasive procedures with improved outcomes and faster recovery have now become standard here, elevating patient care to new heights. This reflects both the remarkable progress in medicine and the hospital’s commitment to leading medical innovation,” he says. Linda Abrahams, personal assistant to the general manager and the hospital’s unofficial historian, joined in 1986, just months after Netcare Greenacres opened. She fondly recalls, “We were small in size but big in heart. Though we’ve grown significantly since then, that warm, caring spirit remains unchanged. It’s always been about more than medicine — it’s about trust, community, and the small acts of kindness that leave a lasting impact.” Under Netcare’s stewardship, the hospital witnessed rapid growth and new initiatives. “No two days are the same here. The teamwork, resilience, and dedication to patient care make this place special. Even as I prepare to retire, I’m proud to witness the opening of our new ICU, which will add a further 10 beds to meet our growing needs.”

 

A memory that stays with Linda is a patient’s heartfelt feedback on the impact of genuine kindness: “The little things nurses do – greeting patients by name, offering reassurance – turn a hospital visit from a scary experience into one of comfort and trust. Good patient care boils down to respect and kindness. When you work in a positive environment with strong relationships between doctors and staff, you know you’re making a real difference.”

Linda’s dedication runs deep. Having moved from Johannesburg to pursue her passion for healthcare, she has witnessed the hospital’s evolution firsthand. “Netcare’s fast-paced, dynamic environment keeps us learning and growing. I love this job and this place – it’s a privilege to be part of such a caring community.”

Drucilla Kekana’s journey began in the filing department, where debtors, creditors, the general manager and others all worked side by side, sharing one office. At 21, she moved to the ward as a runner and then became a ward administrator. “The hospital embraced me when I was a young, nervous employee, and we became a family, learning and growing together,” she says.

Over the years, Drucilla saw the hospital evolve from a cosy, hotel-like facility with gentle piped music to a busy centre of care and medical excellence. She recalls the heartbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the boardroom became a patient information hub. “I worked alongside colleagues, hearing familiar names and seeing faces from the community I knew well. We all felt the loss and pain around us, but even then, the hospital’s spirit stayed strong, supported by a close-knit team and staff-led initiatives like Mandela Day food drives.”

Drucilla is deeply grateful for the investment Netcare made in her through computer and HIV training, which shaped who she is today. “I feel privileged to be part of this journey, to see the hospital change and grow, and to know it’s more than a workplace – it’s a family.”

Eliza Rothner started as one of just 20 enrolled nurses when the ICU first opened its seven beds. Over the years, she has grown through various roles — from stock controller in neonatal and maternity units to theatre nurse — embracing every opportunity to learn and raise standards through ongoing training. “Working here means constantly evolving and learning – staying sharp on infection control and occupational healthcare, and being part of a busy, motivated team,” she reflects.

“Netcare Greenacres is more than just my workplace; it is my family hospital. My grandchildren were born here, and the doctors and my colleagues know them by name, often asking to see their photographs. For me, the greatest reward wasn’t the shiny car I won at Netcare’s Night of the Stars in 2012, but the unforgettable moment when I saved a nine-year-old near-drowning victim by performing CPR for 20 minutes next to a river on my day off. That’s the real meaning of my job here. We work hard, but we also celebrate life and growth every day.”

In February 1986, Ruben Stoltz joined Netcare Greenacres as a porter, eager to be part of a hospital still growing and evolving. Over time, he transitioned into nursing roles, eventually becoming a care worker in the urology theatre—in those days, a small, modest space with just two theatres tucked downstairs. Since then, Ruben has witnessed firsthand how the hospital has expanded its medical and surgical services, bringing advanced care to many more patients.

Now, Ruben plays a vital role as one of only two team members trained to transport the hospital’s advanced robotic surgical system into a large, state-of-the-art theatre. “It’s fascinating to watch the robot’s arms move so precisely, while the surgeon controls everything from behind the console,” he explains. He has worked in the theatre during more than a thousand robotic-assisted surgeries, primarily for kidney stones and other procedures, ‘below the navel and above the knees’.

Ruben sees the benefits of robotic assisted surgery clearly: “The wounds are smaller, the trauma is less, recovery is faster, and patients regain mobility quicker. Knowing that this technology is truly life-changing and seeing patients get better makes every long day in theatre worthwhile,” says Ruben.

In closing, Van Rensburg says, “We are proud of our journey and excited for the future we’re building together. Through every success and setback, the hospital’s story is one of resilience and compassion. Our staff are not just employees — they are guardians of a community’s health and our shared heritage”.

As Netcare Greenacres Hospital celebrates 40 years, its greatest strength remains its people. For Dr van Aarde, Linda, Eliza, Ruben, Drucilla and many others, this is more than a workplace — it’s a family where every day offers the chance to make a difference, one life at a time.

Netcare Greenacres Hospital today:

With a 24-hour emergency department, 14 operating theatres – including three day theatres and two cardiac catheterisation laboratories – and a 26-bed ICU, the hospital offers a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services. These include bariatric surgery, robotic-assisted surgery for localised prostate cancer, electrophysiology to treat heart rhythm disorders, paediatric and adult cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, renal dialysis, radiology and pathology. Its in-hospital retail pharmacy dispenses medications to the public while providing vital clinical pharmacy services to patients.

From paediatric endocrinology to da Vinci robotic-assisted urology surgery, Netcare Greenacres has grown well beyond its modest beginnings to become a key healthcare pillar in the Eastern Cape. Its wide-ranging medical and surgical services now include bariatric surgery, robotic-assisted prostate cancer treatment, electrophysiology for heart rhythm disorders, paediatric and adult cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, renal dialysis, radiology, and pathology. The hospital’s in-house retail pharmacy serves both the public and inpatients, dispensing prescription and over-the-counter medications alongside comprehensive clinical pharmacy care.

Ends.

Notes to editors
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