The Chronicle 2022

St Michael’s ambulance ready to airlift Rupert Hechter (on stretcher) after an injury

over the past two years, and despite the conscious efforts by the coaches, 2022 saw unprecedented sports injuries, many of which were unusually severe. One of the incidents at the beginning of the rugby season saw Rupert Hechter, a key first team player, being severely injured and needing to be airlifted to Hillcrest Hospital. The San received a much needed revamp at the beginning of the year with a new coat of paint and tasteful bedlinen. It was surprising how many of the boys noticed and how many positive comments were received, even from visitors. As part of up-skilling, all the nursing staff attended a Basic Life Support Course at the beginning of the year and Sane and Judy attended a sport strapping course hosted by Mike Denton at St Charles College. Sane also completed a dispensing course through the Department of Health. Sadly, 2022 also brings a close to Dr Cook’s 28-year tenure as school doctor for Michaelhouse. His unbridled commitment to the school and the boys has been remarkable. He has been a pillar of strength to the San staff, selflessly being on call 24/7, seven days

a week through all our challenges. As part of a private practice in Howick, many of his Saturdays have been willingly sacrificed on the side of the rugby field or in the first aid room, attending to boys, their families, and visitors. His departure is going to leave a huge gap in the San and he will be sorely missed. One can only extend a huge thanks to him and wish him a wonderful, hard-earned retirement from Michaelhouse. Hopefully, we look forward to still seeing him on the side of the rugby field, as a visitor. We look forward to welcoming Dr Stuart Poole to Michaelhouse as the school doctor responsible for the medical care of the boys and who will take over from Dr Cook in providing 24 hour support during term time for the San Sisters. Dr Poole worked in the Hilton Life Trauma unit prior to joining a private GP practice in Pietermaritzburg. We look forward to a long and happy working relationship with him. We are also looking forward to Dr David Ogg joining our team in 2023. The boys and the San will benefit from his specialist sports and trauma expertise. He will see the boys for sporting injuries and concussions, and will also take on the Match Day Doctor responsibility for our home winter sports fixtures in 2023.

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