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GEORGE NEWS - The George Hospital lost its first healthcare worker to Covid-19. Sister Stephanie Kiewiet (50), a loyal employee of the Western Cape Health Department for the past 31 years, passed away on Sunday 16 August.
According to Western Cape Health district spokesperson Nadia Ferreira, Kiewiet worked in the Emergency Centre where she touched the lives of many patients and colleagues.
"She was extremely hardworking and dedicated to her patients and will always be remembered for her deep compassion. This is an especially difficult time for so many who knew Steph and loved her so dearly. She will remain eternal in our hearts. We express our heartfelt condolences to her family."
Ferreira said Kiewiet started at George Hospital as a student nurse in January 1989. She qualified as staff nurse in 1991, professional nurse general in 1996, midwife in 1997 and received the nursing administration qualification in 2009. She went on to complete her specialist training in trauma and emergency care in March 2013.
Kiewiet would have celebrated her 51st birthday on 10 September.
Sister Stephanie Kiewiet (50), a loyal employee of the Western Cape Health Department for the past 31 years.
An acquaintance wrote on Facebook, "The lady will leave a huge gap in in the emergency rooms at George Hospital. She was always so calm and compassionate. I never heard her complain, one would always find her next to the patients, dedicated, and doing what she did best ... serving others."
Photo gallery: Guard of honour for George Hospital sister
The George Herald could not make contact with Kiewiet's family. Ferreira said they wanted to respect the family's privacy in this sorrowful time.
A total of 76 staff members (of whom 24 are healthcare workers) of George Hospital have tested positive for Covid-19 up until last week of whom 67 have recovered and one is being treated in ICU.
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