GEORGE NEWS - At the official opening of the new emergency centre at the George Hospital, Minister Theuns Botha (Western Cape Minister of Health) said that interaction with patients is crucial in delivering outstanding service. "All our staff must use every opportunity to improve their interaction. It can be done with a smile, the words 'How are you?' or setting an example in service delivering."

Construction of the hospital's Emergency Services Centre commenced in June 2011 at a cost of R8-million for the infrastructure and an additional R2.4-million for equipment. This is part of the R121-million refurbishment of the George Hospital.

"The official opening of the emergency centre marks another achievement in the provincial government's commitment to bring quality health services closer to our people. In the past two years I have seen how the structural improvements at our health facilities, even if it is a lick of paint, have improved our staff morale. I cannot improve their remuneration packages, but I can improve their working conditions, and I believe that the new emergency centre here will go a long way to improve the patient experience, because the working conditions will improve the feeling of wellness."

Features of the new emergency centre includes 4 resuscitation beds, 10 examination beds, a new digital X-ray machine, an 8-bed overnight observation ward, an improved waiting area and family counselling room and a Thuthuzela Care Centre for victims of sexual violence. The centre treats approximately 120 patients per day.

In total, 5 specialists will be appointed and 5 specialist nursing professionals. They will be appointed to fulfil an outreach and support function throughout the Eden District. A major part of their function will be training and skills development. R11.5-million has been budgeted for the project, R8.5-million for the district specialist teams and R3-million for improved school health services in the poorest areas. In every of the 7 sub-districts a professional nurse with a community care worker and an oral hygienist will form a school outreach support team. The specialists will reach out to the district hospitals.

The Minister also revealed the shocking statistics that - in the Eden District - with an estimated population of nearby 600 000 people, 90% of them are uninsured when it comes to medical funds. All of these people depend on district hospitals.

"Taking into account that the Eden district's annual health budget is R658-million (daily R1.9-million) it follows that a health insurance needs to cover much more ground than the pilot is currently addressing," Botha said.

At the opening Botha also congratulated the pharmacists from George and Oudtshoorn on achieving awards in the Western Cape Pharmacist and Assistant Pharmacist competition. Mignonne Johnson from Oudtshoorn Hospital was the 1st runner-up, while Jannie Voges from Conville Clinic, George and Juanita April from Bridgeton Clinic were both second runners-up.

* 'n Nuwe Noodeenheid is maandag deur mnr. Theuns Botha, die Wes-Kaapse minister vir gesondheid, by die George-hospitaal geopen. Ongeveer 120 pasiënte word daagliks daar behandel.


At the opening of the new emergency unit of the George Hospital are from left, Mr Henry McCombi (Eden Councillor), Mr. Wessie van der Westhuizen (Eden Executive Mayor), Mr. Theuns Botha (Western Cape Minister of Health), Prof. Craig Househam (Head of Department: Western Cape Government Health), Mr Micheal Vonk (CEO: George Hospital) and Ms Johlene Wolmarans (Knysna Executive Mayor).

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: CHRISTO VERMAAK, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST