87-year-old Sister Dorothy Elaine Lewis was recently interviewed by the Heroes of Groote Schuur, and her story has reignited hundreds of fond memories from fellow staff, patients and families.
Cape Town, South Africa (27 May 2020) – The Heroes of Groote Schuur recently interviewed Sister Dorothy Elaine Lewis. She made history for being the first coloured matron at the hospital and was known for being strict but having a heart of gold! Her interview has sparked many memories, and people have honoured her life’s work.
Now 87-years-old, her grandaughter Stacey-Leigh Lewis says she was very excited to share her story. Stacey-Leigh has seen all the comments made about her grandmother and plans to read them all so soon as she can.
“She was very excited and even put on lipstick but she was pleased to share her story. I cannot wait to show and read all these beautiful comments to her. She is going to be so happy to hear some of the names and comments.
Thank you to this page and for all these beautiful and thoughtful comments.” – Stacey-Leigh Lewis
This is her story, all thanks to Heroes of Groote Schuur!
“I replied to an advertisement for a nursing sister in the newspaper in 1970. The hospital assumed that because I lived in Observatory I was white, and hired me without meeting me. They were rudely surprised that I was ‘non-white’ when I asked them for an interview and they met me face-to-face. But by then they had already hired me – although they changed the ward I would serve in.
I wasn’t the first coloured nurse at the hospital – the sisters from Conradie came before me – but after three years I was promoted and became the first coloured matron at Groote Schuur.
I enjoyed my time there. It was sometimes challenging because of the racism (many were oblivious that they were being racist), but I pulled myself together and had my say.
One of my proudest achievements was helping start Oakstreet School in the late 1970s. Originally there was a creche for the children of white employees, but I recommended that we create a creche for all children. I asked Mr van Zyl, the chief engineer, to design a hospital creche for me. He ordered the items that were needed for the creche from some money that we had saved.”
A highlight was also being asked to co-ordinate the Benevolent Association.
“I remember the association helping the choir. The choir sang under the palm trees every lunch as their practice space had been demolished with the creation of the new hospital. The Matrons were unhappy about the noise, so we helped them find a space in the doctor’s bungalows. The choir was also invited to the Waterfront every Christmas eve to sing and was served refreshments.”
Sister Lewis’s input was also used when the ‘new’ hospital was built.
“When they built the new section of the hospital, Dr Francois van der Merwe asked me to lunch, and told me that she’d like me to work with the architect. I worked with them for three years to help design Rochester House – a residence for medical staff.”
She still keeps up with current affairs and hospital news and had a message for all the nurses on the frontline of the Covid19 crisis.
“Thank you very much for allowing me to give a message. They must work very hard and make sure they follow the rules so we can all be ok
The post has received over 120 comments, all of which praise Sister Dorothy. Many people shared their memories of meeting her or being cared for by her.
Her legacy lives on at the hospital with many family members following in her footsteps and working at the hospital to this day. She may have retired in 1995, but people still remember her fondly.
You can follow the many other inspiring stories on Heroes of Groote Schuur here.
by 