Getting to know
“We have made a few changes to the hospital and although the Covid-19 pandemic slowed down a few of our plans, we have huge plans for 2021, which include a rehabilitation facility, as well as an increase in our chronic renal stations,” said Muller.
Cora Muller is the hospital manager at Life Springs Parkland Hospital.
The qualified nurse has been at the hospital for two years and said she puts people at the heart of everything she does.
Who is Cora Muller?
I am a wife to Theo Muller, and a mother to five children, Emcè, Annette, Theoné, Richard and Frederick Malgas.
I also have two sons-in-law Louis and Jaco and two beautiful grandchildren, Janette and Esmé.
Family and Christianity are very important to me and something I try to base every decision I make on.
I would have nothing without the people I love in my life.
What does the general manager of a hospital do on a daily basis?
I’m a trained ICI Sister and therefore being a hospital manager gives me the best of both worlds.
I still have the opportunity to sit next to patients’ beds, do rounds and interact with the doctors daily, but I also have the privilege of managing a 247 bed hospital.
Luckily, I have an amazing team that supports me and together we can hopefully make life better for our patients.
Also read: Getting to know Marcel Simon
How did you get involved in the medical field?
I grew up on a farm in the Free State and one evening the dogs bit a few of my father’s sheep.
I did not want him to slaughter them, although they were badly injured, so I gave them stiches with a normal needle and thread and was able to save one of the three sheep. My aunt was a matron at the old Edenvale Hospital and she invited me when I was in Grade 11 to work with her for a week during the holidays.
After the first day, I knew this was what I wanted to do.
In life, it’s all about people who are willing to give you an opportunity and you making use of this.
I met wonderful managers and have learned so much.
It’s when I got the opportunity to be a hospital manager trainee that I realised this is what I want to do and where I would be able to make the biggest difference.
I’ve been a hospital manger since 2017.
When did you start working at Life Springs Parkland Hospital?
I started working here in 2018 and have not looked back.
We have made a few changes to the hospital and although the Covid-19 pandemic slowed down a few of our plans, we have huge plans for 2021, which include a rehabilitation facility, as well as an increase in our chronic renal stations.
We have a few other changes planned, so watch this space.
Also read: Getting to know Dr Lydia Kilani
What lessons have you learned being a hospital manager during a global pandemic?
You could have been the best hospital manager in the world, but nothing could prepare you for the three weeks the pandemic reached the peak.
We could have never succeeded if we did not work together.
Our doctors and employees were amazing and I will never be able to thank them or show our appreciation for all the sacrifices they made.
They literally put their lives on the line to care for others.
I have learned the importance of communication in a time where patients could not receive visitors and had loved ones in the hospital or even the ICU.
Constant communication and reviewing of processes with our doctors and hospital management contributed to successfully managing clinical decisions in the best interest of our patients and our local community.
Life Healthcare head office and our regional team were wonderful in caring for our employees as they understood the vital roles we all had in caring for patients and each other at the frontline during very challenging times.
I would like to sympathise with everyone who lost a loved one during this pandemic.
My mother was also diagnosed with Covid-19 and although she was admitted in another hospital, I transferred her to Life Springs Hospital as I saw what our doctors and employees did for our patients.
I can truthfully say they saved her life and that is why I will stay at Life Springs Parkland Hospital because I know what we are capable of.
What is the toughest part of your job?
I think it is when we receive a complaint from a patient or a doctor.
I know the importance of a positive patient experience and want everybody in our community to know that we strive to provide quality care and ensure the best hospital experience possible.
Therefore, if you choose our facility and have a concern, please talk to us so we can address the concern.
In most cases it is something we can easily rectify.
We can handle any complaint with mutual respect and understanding.
Also read: Getting to know Martin Badenhorst
What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
When we discharge a patient and to we know that we had a small part of improving that patient’s quality of life, either with a procedure or when we were influential in saving a life after a vehicle accident or a stroke.
Every mother that takes a baby home is also a miracle.
I think to put it all together; it is when we have lived up to our purpose of ‘Making Life Better’ for all.
When you’re not working, what are we most likely to find you doing?
I’m a huge rugby fan, so if I am not next to a rugby field supporting my sons, I spend time with my family and beautiful granddaughters.
I also enjoy taking wildlife photos in the Kruger National Park, and use every chance I get to spend a few days there.
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