The Avenues Clinic on Friday hosted its fifth Annual Doctors’ Appreciation Cocktail, honouring 63 doctors for their dedication and commitment to saving lives.
The old-school themed evening was marked by elegance and celebration, as doctors and patients alike embraced the occasion with style and enthusiasm.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the night was deeply emotional, with moving testimonies from patients who shared how the hospital’s specialists had stood by them during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Several patients spoke about the compassionate care they received, describing how their doctors not only treated them medically but also supported them emotionally — becoming part of their extended families in the process.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the event, General Manager Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu said the appreciation ceremony has become a cherished tradition over the past five years.
“From the testimonials you heard, it means so much for the patients to know that their doctors were there for them and, when needed, were just a phone call away. It is very reassuring,” she said.
“As a hospital, we are in partnership to ensure positive clinical outcomes for our patients. Patients want to be well, to be listened to and to feel that someone is walking the journey with them. Doctors are key partners in this process. This appreciation keeps them motivated.”
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The room was filled with powerful testimonies — from mothers coping with loss, to courageous cancer survivors, and patients who had battled persistent chest and back pain.
One patient who survived three pulmonary embolism episodes as well as Covid-19 shared how she credits her recovery to Dr Ngwende.
“As we got into his room, he was smartly dressed and smiling. His first question was, ‘Zvakatanga rini?’ — a way of investigating and gathering my medical history before reaching a conclusion. After taking my history, he sent me for tests. When the results came back, the figures were very high. I did not understand what they meant, but he explained everything clearly.
“I think if I went to medical school under Dr Ngwende, I would pass — that’s how good he is at explaining. After his treatment, I can safely say I am now okay. He is now part of the family,” she said emotionally.
Medical Director Professor Godfrey Muguti also commended the hospital’s management and staff for strengthening the institution’s standards.
“We have seen from the testimonies that our specialists are very competent clinicians. For some years there has been a mismatch between that clinical competence and the facilities we were practising in. I would like to thank Mrs Ndhlovu for her management, because she has resuscitated confidence in the hospital,” he said.
In recent years, The Avenues Clinic has been refurbishing and expanding its facilities to align with international standards and meet growing patient expectations.
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