Hof der dingen - The safety shoes of an ER nurse

“If they could talk, they would have plenty of stories to tell – about where they’ve been and what they’ve seen…” 

These safety shoes belong to Saghine Lampaert, an emergency nurse at the Sint-Andries Hospital in Tielt. They’re thoroughly worn out, or to use a famous West Flemish expression: doortorten. 

In 2020, Saghine was named West Flemish Ambassador of the Year, alongside actor and curator Wim Opbrouck. She became a symbol of all healthcare workers who gave their all during the pandemic — and a symbol of the typical West Flemish spirit full of determination. Our mantra? Nie trunten, maar deuredoen (Quit whining, just keep going). 

“This title belongs to all healthcare workers. After all the applause and thank-yous, this title feels like the cherry on top”, Saghine exclaims. Calling her passionate about her job wouldn’t do Saghine justice – Sagine pours her heart and soul into her job. It’s clear that she strives to care for everyone coming through the doors of the emergency department – even in challenging circumstances - with dedication and compassion. 

“It’s our job to help people in their time of need – to reassure them that everything will be okay, to help them feel calmer. No one ever comes to the ER because it suits them. Everyone’s aware that there will be a significant waiting time. But how we treat them and talk to them while they wait? That makes a world of difference.” 

Grit and determination run in the family, because this passionate nurse is the sister of Jens and professional cyclist Yves Lampaert. “When people ask how my brother’s doing, I always ask: which one? Because I’m equally proud of both!”, she states.