Tambo Memorial in need of some TLC from the public

CEO of Tambo Memorial Hospital Zenzo Ndbula recently invited the Boksburg Advertiser to tour the hospital’s facilities to view some recent improvements and areas that are in need of assistance.

While there is no current budget for many of the departments and wards to be improved, Ndbula said they welcome assistance from the public and remain open to any kind of engagement with parties who are willing to offer assistance.

“Our hope is that donors may want to choose a specific area or department of the hospital and complete a refurbishment project here,” he said.

“We cannot accept cash donations, only items already paid for.”

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Q & A with the CEO

When last were refurbishments carried out at the hospital and what did this cover?

Refurbishments have been staggered and are done based on the available budget. Some of these are:
1. Renovations of Kangaroo Mother Care Ward One (2021), Children’s Ward 12 (2022), Accident and Emergency Department (2020) and creation of new parking area (2021). All these have been completed.
2. Renovations of offices (2022). Not completed.
3. Upgrading of ward kitchens (2021) Not completed.
4. Replacement of vinyl flooring in corridors (2021). Not completed.
5. Replacement of vandalised toilet taps and seats (set for November).
6. Installation of CCTV cameras (2021) Not completed.
7. Water proofing (ongoing).
8. Installation of security gates on doors and burglar bars on windows (current).

When will more budget be available for further refurbishments?

In April next year. It is an annual budget allocation, which does not cover the scope of the much-needed refurbishments.

In your opinion, what are the most pressing upgrades that still need to be done and why?

• Renovation to wards 10 and 22 to provide improved patient care and satisfaction.
• Painting of the outpatients clinic (medical, general and antenatal care), to provide improved patient care and satisfaction.
• Renovations of the old créche to be the new antenatal clinic, to create more consulting rooms for doctors and more space for patients.
• Signage for patient direction and communication.
• Creating working space outside the pharmacy for staff attending to pensioners, repeat medications and non-paying patients. This will reduce the waiting time and ensure that patients can quickly get back to their placees of work.

How do you believe the upgrades to staff facilities, like kitchens and rest areas, benefit staff morale?

Staff will feel that they are being cared for and be motivated to deliver more in a conducive and enabling environment. It is an act of ‘caring for the carer’, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.

What would it mean to the hospital to receive assistance from the public and/or private sector with regard to much-needed equipment, furniture, refurbishments?

It will communicate a message that the hospital and the public and private sector are joint owners of the services rendered at the hospital.

It will be an investment that indicates that there is an expectation for better services. In addition, the public and private sector can know that they have made a difference in the life of patients and staff and, by extension, in their own lives.

The various departments submitted the following wish lists (note, some of the departments are in need of specialised medical equipment, and a list of these can be provided upon request):

From the office of the CEO
• Office blinds
• Hospital signage
• Chairs for patient waiting areas
• Gateway Clinic renovations or new building
• Gateway Clinic furniture
• Ward 10 renovations
• Secure workstation for serving pensioners
• Office chairs, desk and couches

Human Nutrition Department
• 14 x high-back swivel chairs
• 1 x eight-seater boardroom table
• 10 x boardroom chairs
• Armchairs for visitors
• Double-seater couches
• L-shaped office desk with drawers
• Double-door lockers
• 4 x computers

Environmental Health Department
• Additional computer
• Cupboard
• Blinds
• Desk
• Letter trays
• Notice board
• 3 x chairs Psychology Department
• 2 x small coffee tables
• 8 x armchairs
• 10 x visitors’ armchairs
• Pamphlet stand for waiting area
• 2 x high-back swivel chairs
• Lockable wooden filing cabinet with four drawers
• 2 x printers
• 4 x flash drives
• Desktop computer
• Computer monitor

Physiotherapy Department
• 11 x desks
• 4 x tables
• 17 x patient chairs
• 11 x office chairs
• Lockers
• Filing cabinet
(Note: size and type of each piece will need to be provided to ensure that furniture fits into designated areas).
• 2 x computers

Medical orthotics and prosthetics equipment requirements
• 3 x office chairs
• 2 x guest chairs for HOD office
• 10 x guest chairs for patient consulting rooms
• 3 x desktop computers
• 2 x printers
• 1 x boot finishing machine

Medical technologist
• Computer
• Printer
• Office desk
• Filing cabinet
• Bookshelf
• 3 x office chairs

Unspecified department
• Printer
• 2 x office chairs
• 7 x drafting chairs with wheels

Occupational Therapy Department
• 20 x plastic chairs
• 8 x office chairs
• 2 x storage cupboards, lockable with shelves
• Filing cabinet
• Staff lockers (4-tier)
• Sewing machine
• Popcorn machine (for psychology patients’ therapy)
• Desk fan
• Mobile suction unit
• Electric carving knife (for cutting sponge or cushions needed for wheelchairs or buggy seating)
• Printer
• Portable speakers
• Laminating machine
• 16 GB memory stick
• Projector

If you can assist these departments at Tambo Memorial with a donation of equipment needed or would like to find out more about how to “adopt” a department or have any further queries, contact the CEO, Zenzo Ndabula, on 011 898 8317 or email Zenzo.Ndabula2@gauteng.gov.za.

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