Forty years later, the Chris Barnard Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town, continues to perpetuate the tradition of surgical excellence, patient care, teaching and research.
A series of activities have been planned to commemorate the day, 3 December 1967, when the first heart transplantation was performed at the Groote Schuur Hospital, led by UCT alumnus and world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and academic, Professor Barnard. The main activities include:
In the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the first heart transplant, Groote Schuur Hospital and the University of Cape Town acknowledge one of the greatest moments in medical history when Christiaan Barnard held the hearts and the hopes of the world in his hands.
"Groote Schuur Hospital boasts 516 heart transplants to date with the longest living patient doing well 28 years after this operation. The first heart transplant 40 years ago placed Groote Schuur Hospital in the world's spotlight and brought huge respect and admiration for our medical abilities. We are inspired to honour this legacy as we move forward towards the future" says Pierre Uys, Minister for Health in the Western Cape.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UCT, Professor Njabulo S. Ndebele says, "The celebration of the 40th anniversary of the heart transplant reminds us of our responsibility to ensure that our research, teaching and service improves our quality of life, particularly in the field of health sciences."
Prof Ndebele adds that, "being a research-led institution, UCT is striving to reach greater heights globally, while we also want our research outputs and expertise to benefit the lives of people in our surrounding communities."
Minister Uys says, "it is both fitting for Groote Schuur Hospital, the Department of Health and the University of Cape Town to pay tribute to the work of Professor Barnard and his team by ensuring that the same courage, dedication to patient care, academic excellence and innovation are fostered by present and future generations of cardiac specialists".
Members of the media are invited to the activities listed in Activity Sheet!Please liaise with the relevant contact person for the events you wish to cover.
