Jeffrey Isaacs spent the largest part of his working life at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. The 65-year-old of Mitchell's Plain started working at the hospital as a labourer in 1971. He retired in February 2011 after 40 years of dedicated, unbroken service.
On 14 July, Jeffrey and 56 other long-serving employees were rewarded for their loyalty at an event held especially in their honour.
Jeffrey is one of three employees who were honoured for working for the Western Cape Department of Health for 40 years. Another awardee was Professional Nurse Martha Brink of Rondebosch.
Martha started her nursing career as a student nurse at Tygerberg Hospital in January 1971. She completed her midwifery training at Frere Hospital in the Eastern Cape where she worked from 1974 until 1975. She then worked at Swartland Hospital from 1976 until 1978 when she moved to Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. She is currently employed as a specialist paediatric nurse in the cardiac ward.
Martha is a trained midwife. She also has theatre, critical care, trauma and ear, nose and throat nursing training and experience.
The third award recipient, Shirley Adams, started her career as a nursing assistant in 1970. She was promoted to senior nursing assistant in August 1997. She currently works in the burns ward.
Of the 57 people being awarded at the event, 17 people have been working for the Western Cape Department of Health for 30 years, 14 for 20 years and 23 people have been awarded for working at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital specifically for 20 years.
Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital's CEO, Dr Lungi Linda, commended the employees for their loyalty: "As management we feel proud that you have been true public servants and true ambassadors who have served our people selflessly with dignity and humility. We thank you very much for your loyalty, professionalism, high work ethic, commitment and accountability and respect for human dignity. Well done, good and faithful public servants."
Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha, said: "The lifetime that you have committed to this hospital demonstrates your devotion and love of your caring for children and the community at large. The Western Cape Department of Health is indeed fortunate to have earned your dedication. I know that this work requires the ultimate patience, and you have proved to have stood the test of time."