WATCH: South Rand Hospital continues with ‘I serve with a smile’ campaign
I serve with a smile – re-badging and pledging.
South Rand Hospital celebrated the relaunch of its ‘I Serve with a Smile Campaign’ on February 27.
The campaign was championed by MEC of Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in 2023. She said it aimed at improving the patient experience of care and restoring the once-renowned reputation of the healthcare system.
“Through this campaign, we want to create a culture of empathy and compassion that permeates every aspect of our healthcare delivery. The campaign is built upon the Batho Pele principles. As healthcare workers, each one of us has the responsibility to create an environment where patients feel valued, respected and supported whenever they visit our facilities,” she said.
@southern.courier South Rand Hospital celebrated the relaunch of its ‘I Serve with a Smile Campaign’ on February 27.
South Rand Hospital aims to embody the spirit of the campaign by taking the core values of this movement and making them their personal character. The hospital said they believe their aims are not too far out of reach, as long as they strive to adhere to the Batho Pele principle and work together to instil and uphold the acknowledge, introduce, duration, explanation and thank you (AIDET) strategy within the hospital.
The staff went to different departments at the hospital for a meet and greet session. According to Xoliswa Funda, the deputy director, they wanted to make the patient aware that they are committed and pledge respect and integrity.
“When patients come to the hospital they will be given respect. A smile is more the expression and education we give to the patients. Thank you to our CEO, Simphiwe Gada for leading this campaign here and also the campaign committee and champions,” she said.
Gada, with his staff, led the pledge in front of the patients. He urged the patients to trust them with the services they render. Also, patients had an opportunity to engage with the CEO.
@southern.courier Gada, with his staff, led the pledge in front of the patients. He urged the patients to trust them with the services they render. Also, patients had an opportunity to engage with the CEO.
“Last year we launched this campaign and it is ongoing. Today we want the staff to re-pledge and re-commit themselves so that they will serve with a smile. It is important to us that the patients must be able to see that we are committed to solving issues of attitude and the services that patients receive from the hospital and give them a good experience.
“It is the patient’s rights that are enshrined in the Constitution that we must serve them with a smile. This movement is across all our hospitals in Gauteng. It was championed by honourable MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko who encouraged us as frontline staff that all the time no matter what the circumstances we must never take our frustrations out to the patients. Also, we must understand that we are public servants to serve the patients.
@southern.courier South Rand Hospital aims to embody the spirit of the campaign by taking the core values of this movement and making them their personal character. The hospital said they believe their aims are not too far out of reach, as long as they strive to adhere to the Batho Pele principle and work together to instil and uphold the acknowledge, introduce, duration, explanation and thank you (AIDET) strategy within the hospital.
“As we are the champions of this campaign and in our quest to respond to the call of service to humanity we must all understand that a small gesture has a big impact. A warm smile can make all the difference in our patient’s experience. It reassures, comforts and fosters trust in those who rely on us for care.
“At South Rand Hospital, we are committed to not only treating illnesses but also uplifting spirits. By greeting each patient with kindness and a genuine smile, we create an atmosphere of compassion and healing. Let’s remember: a smile costs nothing but can mean everything. Together, let’s make every patient feel valued and cared for – one smile at a time.”
Gada thanked all the staff and reassured that them that they make a difference at South Rand Hospital and their work is visible.
