Against the floods: How a Vredendal medical team created a "Night-Shift ICU" to save a newborn
During the severe flooding that recently isolated the Matzikama area, a group of healthcare workers at Vredendal Hospital successfully navigated a life-threatening crisis to save a newborn in distress.
On Wednesday 13 May 2026, as rising floodwaters cut off Vredendal Hospital from neighbouring towns, medical staff faced a critical challenge, a newborn baby admitted to the facility was deteriorating rapidly. With the hospital physically isolated by the floods, transferring the infant to a specialised unit was impossible.
A collaborative effort under pressure:
Dr. Didier Ngoie, a Family Physician at the hospital, led a team of community service doctors and nurses in a race to stabilise the infant. Working via telephone with the Tygerberg Hospital Neonatal Unit, the team identified a need for a specific ventilator circuit that the hospital did not have on hand.
In a display of community cooperation, Matzikama Paramedic Services, a local private provider, stepped in to help. Despite the weather conditions, they delivered the necessary equipment to the hospital without hesitation.
“I told the staff that we needed to be a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the night, even if we weren't fully equipped for it,” said Dr. Ngoie.
“They stepped up, took responsibility, and saved a baby’s life in the process.”
By Thursday morning, the baby’s condition had improved, and oxygen levels had returned to normal. As soon as it was safe to fly, Air Mercy Services (AMS) airlifted the infant to Tygerberg Hospital for continued specialised treatment.
Warren Caeser, West Coast District Director, noted that the successful outcome was a testament to the strength of the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness ecosystem. He expressed his sincere appreciation to Dr Moodley and the Tygerberg Hospital NICU team, as well as to Mr Craig Wylie, Mr Fransman, the EMS teams, and Mr Wayne Smith, who coordinated the life-saving air transfer of the baby, and Dr Earlin Ockhuis and his amazing team from Vredendal Hospital for their resilience and continuous support to the community during this challenging time.
"This is a story of how public-private partnerships and dedicated health staff can save lives, even in dire circumstances," Caeser said. "I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our staff and partners for their dedication during these very trying experiences."
While the Matzikama community continues to deal with the aftermath of the floods, the recovery of its youngest patient stands as a significant win for the local medical team and their partners. The bridge which connects the hospital to the rest of the systems is still closed and a challenge for communities who require emergency care. While the Matzikama community continues to deal with the aftermath of the floods, the recovery of its youngest patient stands as a significant success for the local medical team and their partners. However, the bridge that connects the hospital to the rest of the health system remains closed, continuing to pose a serious challenge for communities requiring urgent and emergency care.
Please Note: The mother appreciated the support and life-saving support of her baby, but has not consented to revealing their identify.
Media Enquiries
Leensie Lotter
Communication Officer
West Coast District
Western Cape Department Health and Wellness
Cell: 072 224 7376
Email: leensie.lotter@westerncape.gov.za