Hospitals scoop health awards

KWAZULU-NATAL MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo recognised Mseleni District Hospital for outstanding service delivery and Hlabisa Hospital for innovative waste management at an award ceremony in Durban in February.

Each hospital in the province is judged according to Batho Pele (people first) principles that enforce quality in the service delivery of public service institutions across South Africa.

These principles ensure citizens are consulted about the service provided to them; are aware of the standards of those services; are able to easily access the services and are treated with dignity and respect by public servants.

The principles serve to ensure complaints are resolved speedily, are used to improve service delivery and taxpayers’ money is used sparingly. Mseleni Hospital was found to have ‘gone the extra mile to achieve all these principles.’

The hospital will represent KZN’s Health Department at the Premier Service Excellence Awards against all government departments in the province later in the year.

At the same award ceremony in Durban, Hlabisa Hospital was recognised for its innovative waste management strategy whereby a vehicle was customised and is used for waste collection from rural clinics. It is the first waste collection vehicle in the health industry.

uMkhanyakude Health District Office received a certificate of commendation for progress towards achieving Millennium Development Goals four and five, reducing child mortality and enforcing maternal health.

This is not the first time uMkhanyakude hospitals have received provincial recognition.

In 2013 Mosvold Hospital received a Gold Award at the Departmental Service Excellence Awards and represented the Department of Health at the Premier Service Excellence Awards.

uMkhanyakude Health District is expected to continue its excellent service delivery with the new Community Health Centre in Jozini. The institution is expected to open early in 2015.