The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (Red Cross Children’s Hospital) has officially opened its new R90 million Orthopaedic Unit — a major step forward in paediatric orthopaedic care. The facility, unveiled on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, was built entirely with donor funds through the Children’s Hospital Trust (CHT).
The unit consolidates orthopaedic services that were previously housed both in the main hospital and at the historic Maitland Cottage Children’s Orthopaedic Hospital, ensuring thousands of children receive comprehensive care under one roof.
A New Era of Specialised Care
The centre is designed as a game-changer for specialised care in the Western Cape and beyond. Its features include:
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A 30-bed inpatient ward with high-care isolation cubicles
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Two specialist operating theatres and two procedure rooms
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Outpatient consultation rooms and a central nurses’ station
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A dedicated physiotherapy gym with an outdoor therapeutic play area
Red Cross CEO Dr Anita Parbhoo said the project was motivated by the need to create a modern, multidisciplinary space for children requiring specialised orthopaedic and rehabilitation services.
Addressing Complex Needs and Growing Demand
The closure of Maitland Cottage after almost a century of service made consolidation essential. The new facility will absorb large patient volumes previously managed at both locations.
The unit is expected to:
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Transform care for more than 5,000 paediatric orthopaedic patients annually
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Handle around 1,700 admissions and 5,500 outpatient visits each year
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Perform about 1,000 surgeries annually, including treatment for 1,400 patients in the specialised clubfoot clinic
CHT CEO Chantel Cooper expressed gratitude to donors, saying, “This project is 100% funded by donors. We couldn’t do this without your support — creating safe spaces where the Red Cross team can provide incredible service to children and their families.”
A Testament to Partnership and Legacy
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by key stakeholders who celebrated the success of the public–donor partnership. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis praised the hospital as South Africa’s “healthcare gold standard” and said the new unit would raise the bar even further, bringing more hope and opportunity to children across the city.
Ian Scott, former chairperson of the Maitland Cottage Hospital board, reflected on the legacy of compassionate care, saying, “Those who started it nearly 100 years ago would be proud of what they see here today.”
Beyond patient care, the unit will also serve as a training hub for the next generation of paediatric orthopaedic specialists. With this milestone achieved, the hospital has already turned its focus to the next urgent project: fundraising for a new cafeteria to better serve patients, families, and staff.
