Tambo Memorial joins push to strengthen media partnerships
The event, which was held in Vosloorous, aimed to strengthen partnerships between healthcare facilities and the media to improve the public’s access to accurate, timely health information.
Tambo Memorial Hospital recently participated in the Ekurhuleni District Health Services’ inaugural media engagement session, which brought together local print and broadcast media houses from across the district.
The event, which was held in Vosloorus, aimed to strengthen partnerships between healthcare facilities and the media to improve the public’s access to accurate, timely health information.
As one of the key hospitals in the district, Tambo Memorial used the platform to highlight the vital role media can play in promoting health education, countering misinformation and supporting urgent public health responses.
The hospital’s leadership emphasised that building strong, ongoing relationships with local media is essential for reaching broader communities and encouraging informed health choices.
Zoliswa Nzeku, communications officer at Tambo Memorial Hospital, led the hospital’s engagement during the session, underscoring areas where the media can assist in amplifying critical health messages.
“Whether it’s a disease outbreak or long-term awareness campaigns like teenage pregnancy prevention, the media is our partner in educating the public and saving lives.”
Nzeku said Tambo Memorial Hospital is at the forefront of health awareness campaigns in Ekurhuleni, particularly around teenage pregnancies, a major concern in the region.
“We continue to engage schools and community groups to educate young people about family planning, safe sex and available health services. The hospital partners with clinics and NGOs to reach vulnerable youth with accessible, youth-friendly services.”
Also Read: TMH hosts an empowering open day
She also used the opportunity to brief media on how the public can better engage with the healthcare system.
“Like all hospitals in the district, Tambo Memorial operates on a referral system, requiring patients to first seek care at local clinics unless they face an emergency. This process helps manage hospital resources and shortens waiting times for serious cases.”
Nzeku also explained the triage system used in emergency departments:
“We assess each patient’s condition to prioritise life-threatening cases. While this means some patients with minor issues may wait longer, it ensures those in urgent need get immediate attention.”
One of the key operational challenges the hospital faces is patients providing incorrect or incomplete information.
She urged the public to supply accurate personal details, full names, residential addresses, contact numbers and next-of-kin information when registering at the hospital.“This small step has a big impact because it helps us follow up with families, prevent unclaimed bodies and improve the quality of care,” she said.
Tambo Memorial Hospital concluded its participation in the session with a call to media to remain active partners in community health promotion.
“We’re counting on our media partners not just to report during crises, but to consistently share credible health information with the public,” said Nzeku.
Also Read: Tambo Memorial Hospital Hosts Inaugural Service Excellence Awards
