Windsorton has just gained a significant boost in health care with the establishment of a primary health-care clinic, bringing accessible and quality medical services to the community.
WINDSORTON has just gained a significant boost in health care with the establishment of a primary health-care clinic, bringing accessible and quality medical services to the community.
Sister Trudie Swart, with over 40 years of nursing experience – 32 of which were in management and teaching – has turned her lifelong passion for helping people into reality. Her journey has been deeply rooted in her dedication to the nursing profession, which she has served with pride.
Founded in 2000 in Krugersdorp, “Verpleegsorg 2000” initially focused on home nursing and wound care services. From the beginning, the goal was to one day open a clinic that would provide excellent service to everyone regardless of race, colour, or creed. Sister Swart’s commitment went beyond her hospital duties as she continued to offer medical advice and care after hours, nurturing her dream of establishing a clinic.
During the final months of the Covid-19 pandemic, she was approached by the Lenmed Group and invited to join Lenmed Royal Hospital and Heart Centre (RHHC) Hospital. Seizing this opportunity, she relocated to Kimberley, feeling guided by her faith. She was warmly welcomed at RHHC and quickly realised that Kimberley would be her new home. The city opened many doors for her, and she worked alongside a team of wonderful colleagues.
Windsorton, a quiet town with a close-knit community, became the perfect place for her and her husband of 40 years to settle down. After two years at RHHC, she moved to a different institution, immersing herself in the rich culture of the Northern Cape. Throughout her time there, she was supported and inspired by a remarkable team of doctors, including urologist Dr Potgieter, Dr De Jager, and surgeons Dr Van Der Merwe, Dr De Jager-Wood and Dr Maposa. Their mentorship and encouragement restored her confidence in making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
After much prayer, the unwavering support of her family, and guidance from Reverend Loods during a challenging period, Sister Swart resigned from her position, never losing faith that a greater purpose awaited her in Kimberley.
Dr Cupido then approached her about expanding Verpleegsorg 2000 to Kimberley and opening a clinic. With the help of Practice Secure Pty Ltd, the clinic quickly grew from strength to strength, and the GbG (Given by God) Clinic was born. The clinic officially opened its doors on October 1, 2024, and is already contracted with 22 medical aid funds.
The name “GbG” reflects its mission to serve the people of Windsorton and surrounding areas with dignity and respect. The clinic will also visit schools and farms to promote nursing as a profession and raise awareness about health care among teenagers. Health education, including nutrition and physiotherapy, will be a major focus, with dietitian Mariska Paton and physiotherapist Lisa on board. Trauma counsellor Reverend Loods is also part of the GbG team, ensuring emotional support for those in need.
The clinic aims to make health care accessible and affordable, offering education on healthy lifestyles, cancer awareness, and lung diseases. On request, the dietitian and physiotherapist will visit the clinic, while Dr Cupido will consult once a month.
Sister Swart expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Windsorton community for their support and trust. She also acknowledged Dr Cupido for his guidance, Dr De Jager-Wood for her unwavering support during difficult times, and Practice Secure Pty Ltd, especially Shikira and Thalita, for their role in building the clinic and handling all administrative tasks. She also extended her gratitude to Reverend Loods for his trauma counselling and emotional support, as well as Melissa from Meraki Designing and Printing, who designed and installed all the clinic’s windows.
Finally, Sister Swart thanked Lenmed RHHC Hospital for bringing her to Kimberley, where she has met the wonderful people of the city and Windsorton. She also acknowledged the RHHC and Gariep Hospital staff for always believing in her, even during tough times.
