Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
IN a bid to enhance comfort, safety, and treatment outcomes for young patients, the children’s ward at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital has undergone a significant transformation, revolutionising the care environment for infants and children across the province.
The once-dilapidated ward, long strained by high admissions and outdated infrastructure, has been refurbished with new murals, children’s beds, bedside lockers, wall-mounted heaters, drip stands, kitchen cupboards, upright fridge, and improved sundries.
The hospital’s stabilisation centre, which manages children with severe acute malnutrition, also received a comprehensive upgrade funded by the European union Humanitarian Aid and other partners.
The rehabilitation include tiling, plumbing, electrical works, carpentry, painting, installation of stabilisation equipment, and improvements to play and therapy spaces.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, provincial paediatrician, Dr Farai Makiwa, who oversees paediatric care at the hospital, said the refurbishment has brought about a positive shift in the facility’s appearance and functionality.
The upgraded facility is expected to significantly improve the overall care and treatment outcomes for young patients, providing a healthier and more comforting environment for them to recover.
“The revamped play centre features colourful murals, toys, new furnishings and a safer layout designed to offer children relief and engagement during their hospital stay.
“The malnutrition room, previously characterised by worn-out furniture and insufficient heating, has been fitted with new beds, murals and wall-mounted heaters to ensure constant warmth, which is vital to recovery for malnourished children,” she said.
Dr Makiwa confirmed that the hospital received eight small beds, bedside lockers and wall-mounted heaters, essential additions that addressed long-standing gaps in comfort and infection control.
“Most of the furniture we had was quite old and outdated. We received donations towards our beds.
“We also needed wall-mounted heaters, particularly in our malnutrition units. We also got support for some of our buildings. We upgraded facilities and improved care and treatment for children,” she said, adding that beyond improving aesthetics, the new furniture and equipment will enhance clinical outcomes by supporting infection control, boosting morale.
“The old furniture was broken down, chipped, and the ambience was not nice. Now that we have new things, the place is prettier for staff to work in.
It is more welcoming for mothers and for the children. It does not feel too much like an institution, although it is, but now it is warmer. It creates an environment that feels closer to home,” she said.
While the facelift will enhance psychological comfort and emotional well-being, Dr Makiwa stressed the need for consistent medical supplies to fully strengthen child health outcomes.
“Psychological well-being might improve in such an environment but we also need consistent medication.
“Sometimes some of the things might not be available, and we have to ask parents to purchase some items.
“Particular medications would definitely improve outcomes if they were constantly available,” she said.
Before the refurbishment, the ward faced difficulties, especially in caring for malnourished children who require longer hospital stays, stimulation and rest.
“We have patients with malnutrition who stay here for a relatively long period. Part of their management requires stimulation with play therapy, but we did not have a space where they could rest or play. Mothers also had no area to relax because they constantly stayed by the bedside.
“Now they have a space where they can come and relax. It is just a little room for now, and we still need a few more things to make it warmer and more welcoming, but it is a lot better than before,” said Dr Makiwa.
The upgraded play centre is expected to strengthen psychosocial support for children battling chronic illness or malnutrition.
She also said the stabilisation centre’s new equipment and structural improvements will help nurses and doctors better monitor and stabilise critically ill children.
Dr Makiwa said the refurbished environment will boost staff morale, reduce infection risks and create a more dignified healthcare experience for families.
“Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital remains the backbone of paediatric care in Manicaland, and such upgrades represent an important step toward improving both immediate and long-term child health outcomes.
“These improvements mark a significant leap in creating a nurturing space for recovery. It looks very welcoming now and the children are definitely benefiting,” said Dr Makiwa, expressing gratitude to the partners involved, and stressing the importance of ongoing support for medical supplies, equipment and training.
