A trauma centre for Louis Trichardt and surrounding areas is long overdue and, at present, the local Rotary Club and Rotary Anns are attempting to raise funds for this purpose.

Victims of trauma and physical or sexual assault need a place where they can give statements and be examined under conditions that do not add to their trauma. Currently, victims are examined and have to give statements in a small office behind the police station, where the conditions can be described as cramped and inadequate.

In the nine months from April 2010 to January 2011, some 764 victims of physical assault and 60 of sexual assault were treated and counselled at the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital. In the four months from April 2011 to August 2011, there were 265 victims of physical assault and 24 of sexual assault. In most cases, the victims require shelter away from their attackers. Many of these victims are children. The hospital has 52 beds for a population of some 140 000 people and cannot accommodate the victims.

These facts came to light at a meeting between representatives from the Louis Trichardt Rotary Club and Rotary Anns and the CEO of the Louis Trichardt Memorial hospital, Ms PC Raulinga, Dr D Kazaji, the acting clinical manager, Mr MR Magampa of the Department of Health, Mr D. Ndlovu of the SAPS, and Makhado Victim Empowerment chairperson Ms V Matimulani, NGOs and the Makhado Municipality.

“All have pledged their full co-operation to the project. The Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital has pledged the services of doctors (they have 10 doctors), trauma nurses (3), psychologist, cleaners (5) and security guards (10). The hospital will provide food for the traumatised patient. They will also be responsible for the cleaning, lights and water and security,” said Mr Ian Bannatyne, Rotary’s assistant district governor. He was accompanied by Ms Carole Went, president Rotary Ann, and Ms Diane Bannatyne, past president Rotary Ann.

Rotary has undertaken to help raise the funds locally and overseas to purchase a mobile home and install plumbing and electricity, at an estimated cost of R750 000. Rotary is a non-profit organisation (NPO). They are able to issue businesses with a tax exemption certificate that can be used when acquiring BEE status and is tax deductible.

“Please, businesses, use your BEE for Socio-Economic Development contribution, which is 1% of your nett profit after tax (NPAT) for this very important project,” requested Rotary president Mr Godfrey Went. All those interested in this project are welcome to contact Mr Bannatyne via email at [email protected]