Sister Dorothy Witbooi: nearly 50 Years of commitment at Tygerberg Hospital

In an era where dedication is often hard to come by, Sister Dorothy Witbooi, affectionately known as Sister Dot, stands out as a beacon of commitment. With nearly 50 years of service at Tygerberg Hospital, her journey through the corridors and theatres of the institution is one filled with passion, resilience, and an unwavering desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

At 74, Sister Dot is far from the traditional image of retirement, as her skills are still in high demand. For the past five years, she has been called back by doctors through the SD/Recruitment Agency, a testament to her exemplary work ethic and extensive knowledge that allows her to navigate the intricate world of surgical instruments with the ease of a seasoned professional.

“I started at Tygerberg in theatre in 1977, but I was not happy with the placement in the beginning. However, with the support of senior staff, my interest in nursing grew,” Sister Dot recalled. Her early days were filled with challenges, as remembering the names of various surgical instruments and procedures proved overwhelming. Determined to excel, she created personal files documenting every procedure, which became a vital tool for her routine self-testing after work each day.

With her wealth of knowledge, Sister Dot spent a substantial part of her career abroad in the Middle East before returning to Tygerberg in 2008. There, she brought invaluable experience in areas such as renal transplants and robotic surgery, alongside a fervent commitment to staff training. Yet, despite her decades in the operating theatre, the pre-surgery adrenaline rush remains ever-present.

“You know you are part of a team that can make a big difference in someone’s lives,” she explained, her broad smile visible even through her words. “You treat that patient as if they are your family, and you want to see them better.”

Reflecting on her formative months as a scrub nurse, Sister Dot recalled the nerves and prayers she felt during her early days, especially during complex procedures like Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). “Each patient is different, even with the same procedure, and that’s something I had to learn. Staying calm and alert at all times became crucial,” she acknowledged.

So, what sets Sister Dot and her outstanding colleagues apart in the operating room? “A great scrub nurse is proactive and produces high-quality work that makes a difference,” she asserted. Her definition of excellence transcends mere reliability; it embodies an enthusiasm for the work and a persistent positive attitude. “Each day comes with its own challenges, and I come to work ready to face them,” she adds.

Her secret to success? A seamless blend of passion for the industry and compassion for her patients. “I believe patients should leave the hospital without pain and feeling clean. They are someone’s mother, father, brother, sister, child,” she emphasised. “You need to love people and want to help them feel better. That is the secret.”

When she’s not in the theatre, Sister Dot finds solace in gardening, music, baking, and entertaining friends. Though she no longer dons her scrubs full-time, her passion for nursing keeps her actively involved in theatre work through assignments with SD/Recruitment Agency.

Sister Dorothy Witbooi—or Sister Dot, as she is lovingly known—is not just a name in a hospital; she is a living legacy. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to patient care shine as brightly today as they did nearly half a century ago.