South Africa Ophthalmic Hospital at Baragwanath Johannesburg knight horse Badge

Description

South Africa Ophthalmic Hospital at Baragwanath Johannesburg knight horse Badge
Size: 28 x 28 mm
Reverse: original fitting
Pictures are part of the description
In fine original condition

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The History of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the World’s 3rd Biggest Hospital, in South Africa!
It all started after the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand.

The Second World War brought many changes. As the five years of worldwide disruption and destruction unfolded, the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth had to change rapidly from appeasement politics to war effort sacrifice. In South Africa the outbreak resulted in political upheaval, change of Government, and – Baragwanath Hospital.

In 1939 Britain, and the Empire, had large blacklogs in all services, including the provision of health care for military personnel.

End odf September 1940, with hostilities escalating and convalescent facilities becoming urgent, the Secretary of State in London formally asked the South African Government if it would provide health care facilities for Imperial troops of Middle East Command.
The British War Office suggested that 2 hospitals of 1’200 beds be built in South Africa, as well as a convalescent depot of 2’000 beds. After due consideration one of these hospitals was designated for Johannesburg. In November 1941 construction started on the ground bought from the Corner House mining group, at the 8th mile stone on the Potchefstroom road, – near the place where the old Wayside Inn had been situated.

The British Government ultimately paid 328’000 pounds for a hospital of 1’544 beds.
After experimenting with various names, it was finally agreed that this hospital would be “The Imperial Military Hospital, Baragwanath”.

In 1997, after the tragic murder of the prominent activist, Chris Hani, his name was coupled to that of Baragwanath, to give the hospital the name “Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital”

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