The year ended on a sad note for the shocked family, colleagues and friends of the highly respected Dr Alphonso Raats who passed away on 9 December last year.
“Netcare Medicross and the people of Potchefstroom lost a much-loved doctor and friend. We mourn the loss of Dr Raats who was a true professional and incredible human being who has, over a period of 25 years, become part of the very fabric of the Netcare Medicross family and the community of Potchefstroom,” commented Salome Liebenberg, general manager operations of Netcare Medicross
“Dr Alphons, as he was affectionately known, was highly respected and much loved by his colleagues and patients as well as by the staff and management of Netcare Medicross Potchefstroom, where he practised for last 25 years. He had a particular interest in family medicine and made a tremendous difference in the lives of his patients.
“Apart from contributing at a clinical level to Netcare Medicross Potchefstroom, Dr Alphons ¬– who was 82 years old at the time of his passing – also played an active role in assisting with suggestions to improve processes to the benefit of patients and the communities we serve,” added Liebenberg.
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In honouring his friend and colleague of 50 years, Dr Pieter Henning said that Dr Alphons was a friend to everyone in town. “He was a dearly loved by young and old and always spent time – lots of time – with his patients. Every consultation always included a general chat about family matters and this was followed by a thorough, professional medical check-up.”
“Alphons served the community of Potchefstroom for 52 years. When I first met him, we immediately clicked and formed a bond that was to last throughout his lifetime. He was my running friend for 25 years and together we did miles and miles of marathons, we also completed several Comrades together. He was always most concerned about the wellbeing of his fellow runners,” remembers Dr Henning fondly.
“Even though he was 82 years old at the time of his passing, Dr Alphons remained energetic and active while continuing to care for the many patients who relied on his clinical knowledge and sound medical advice. His compassion and commitment to patient care were highly valued within the practice and community that he served. He was a team player who enjoyed his role as a doctor at Netcare Medicross Potchefstroom where he continued to practise until two weeks prior to his passing.
“Dr Alphons served the community of Potchefstroom through Rotary for decades and lived the Rotary philosophy of service above self. His gentle, soft voice and stunning blue eyes were always filled with empathy for family, friends and patients and he always maintained that whatever you do, it must be fair to all concerned.
“Alphons you were a real gentleman – the crème de la crème. Not only will I seriously miss you but you will be dearly missed by all in our town,” added Dr Henning.
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Liebenberg said that Dr Alphons truly lived the Netcare Medicross core value of care, was well known for putting everyone else first. “He was highly regarded by his patients for his dedication and compassion and was highly respected by colleagues and the management and staff at Netcare Medicross.
“We wish to express our sincere condolences to his wife Yvonne, his son Alphonso Raats (Jnr) his daughter, Hermanie, and his four grandchildren. Dr Alphons will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. We will greatly miss his laughter and positive demeanour and would like to take the opportunity to thank his family for allowing us to share a part of his life over the past 25 years,” concluded Liebenberg.
A memorial service will be held for Dr Alphonso Raats at Anderland, 241 Plaas Oudedorp 376 IQ, Potchefstroom at 10h00 on Saturday, 15 January 2022.
Ends
Notes to editor
Looking for a medical appointment? Netcare appointmed™ will make appointments for YOU with specialists practising at Netcare hospitals, GPs and dentists at Medicross medical and dental centres, and specialists at Akeso mental health facilities. Simply request an appointment online at www.netcare.co.za/Request-a-medical-appointment or phone Netcare appointmed™ on 0860 555 565, Mondays to Fridays between 08:00 and 17:00.
To find out more about the services offered through Netcare hospitals and other of the Group’s facilities, please visit www.netcare.co.za or contact the Netcare customer service centre either by email at [email protected] or phone 0860 NETCARE (0860 638 2273). Note that the centre operates Mondays to Fridays from 08:00 to 16:00.
Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare Medicross Potchefstroom
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, Estene Lotriet-Vorster or Clemmy Forsthofer
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]