Measures taken to increase capacity of Ekurhuleni hospitals

The Ekurhuleni Health District Media Engagement on April 4 was led by acting chief director Simon Choma, alongside CEOs from several hospitals.

The event took place at the Thelle Mogoerane Nurses’ Residence Hall and was attended by media representatives from various radio stations and local newspapers within the City of Ekurhuleni, including journalists from Germiston City News and Bedfordview and Edenvale News.

As officials delivered their remarks, members of the media prepared questions.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Health adjusts tariffs for patients

The officials highlighted key areas where Ekurhuleni District hospitals are excelling and reaffirmed their commitment to patient care.

While healthcare systems face many challenges, it is important to recognise and celebrate progress.

Notable hospitals in the district include Tembisa Tertiary Hospital, Pholosong Regional Hospital, Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, Far East Rand Regional Hospital, Tambo Memorial Regional Hospital, and Bertha Gxowa District Hospital.

Several hospitals have completed renovations to main entrances, including upgrades in Tembisa to laundry services, casualty units, and ward infrastructure, with the construction of the ABT Ward aimed at enhancing aesthetics and service delivery.

Initiatives such as the “I Serve with a Smile” movement have been introduced to address patient dissatisfaction, especially complaints related to negative staff attitudes in Gauteng public health facilities.

“We are building a positive work atmosphere. This invites public trust, reduces litigation, and boosts staff morale,” said Bertha Gxowa Hospital communications officer Mampe Marapyane.

ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni says R21 bus was roadworthy

She also discussed the Dr in My Classroom initiative, which sends young doctors and healthcare professionals into schools to engage students on issues such as depression, teen pregnancy, mental health, and substance abuse.

“The programme combines motivation, education, and engagement. It promotes abstinence, consent, and seeking help — helping youth make informed health decisions,” she added.

Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital has been recognised as fully compliant and recommended as a benchmarking site in the province.

Meanwhile, Tambo Memorial Regional Hospital’s ophthalmologist received the Lifetime Humanitarian Award from the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa at its 55th annual national congress.

Tambo Memorial has also implemented a 24-hour records department and opens its pharmacy at 06:00 to serve early-arriving patients, especially the elderly.

ALSO READ: Life Roseacres Hospital rated highly in Discovery Care Ratings for 2024

Bertha Gxowa Hospital, mandated to provide 72-hour mental health observation with seven inpatient beds, has expanded to 33 due to high demand. “Our goal is to increase capacity to 60 beds,” said Marapyane.

BGH is committed to supporting children with special needs.

“We offer an Early Childhood Intervention Programme to screen newborns for developmental delays and abnormalities,” said Marapyane.

The hospital also runs a one-stop clinic for children with cerebral palsy, offering access to a paediatrician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, audiologist, dietitian, and psychosocial support staff.

Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgeries are now routinely performed at the hospital. “Since 2022, we have averaged nearly 40 laparoscopic surgeries per month,” Marapyane confirmed.

While Tembisa Hospital’s choir recently won first place in the Choral Music Competition in the Sallontarano Nacozzeremo category and second place in the Hook Haneeu category, Pholosong Regional Hospital’s food garden has been gaining departmental praise.

ALSO READ: Doctor at local hospital doctor donates baby essentials

Launched in 2020 under the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) initiative, the garden empowers communities through farming skills, improves nutrition for patients, and serves as a backup food source for the hospital kitchen.

“The multidisciplinary team — including dietitians, social workers, environmental health practitioners, occupational therapists, and grounds staff — provides patients with vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, beetroot, pumpkins, and carrots,” said Marapyane.