January 29, 2004
By Tammy O'Reilly
A TEAM of chief executives from hospitals around the UK were hosted by Johannesburg's Department of Health this week and treated to a wealth of information on the current state and future goals of the city's health fraternity.
The objectives of the visit were for the visitors to observe how hospitals and clinics in Johannesburg were coping from a managerial perspective.
Welcoming the tourists at the visitors' centre at the Metro Council buildings in Braamfontein, Councillor Prema Naidoo outlined the problems that the health departments were facing but assured the delegation progress made so far had been admirable.
Naidoo also outlined the challenges caused by "structural integration and different conditions of service".
The councillor also singled out HIV/Aids as a priority for the Department of Health. "We have a highly successful HIV awareness campaign targeting the youth, schools and hostels. We are hoping to spread the rollout of antiretroviral drugs to local hospitals."
During a rushed tour of Johannesburg Hospital the UK team were astounded by the difference in appearance between the general and private wards. "There is such a contrast between the wards. One clearly gets better care in a private ward than in a general ward," observed Moira Britton, CEO for the Tees and North East Yorkshire National Health Service (NHS) Trust.
They were also alerted to the financial crisis the hospital was facing. Dr Mamorena Mofokeng, acting chief officer for the Johannesburg Hospital said: "The biggest problem we have is funding. As it stands hospitals are being asked to reduce the number of staff."
The next stop was the Centre of Excellence in Essellen Street in the inner city. "We provide free HIV/Aids testing, HIV awareness workshops and TB treatment and support to the public," said Bernice Momoniat, Region 8 manager for health.
The final visit was the Mofolo Community Health Clinic in Soweto. The visitors were clearly impressed with efforts to keep the place looking tidy. "We hear so much about Soweto and its good to see such a nice, clean facility that's providing a tremendous service to the people here," said Bill Macintyre, chief executive of the Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Trust.
"We see an average of 12 500 patients a month, but now that number is going to increase because we are getting referrals from other clinics. If there is one thing we would like to improve it's the youth centre. At the moment it's very small, said Sister Thoko Siyaya.
The UK team were impressed with the efforts being made by the health department and spoke incessantly about the vibrancy and colour of Johannesburg. They were particularly looking forward to their scheduled stay at the Kruger National Park and to seeing the big five.
"This country is so beautiful. It's amazing how much transition has taken place. Johannesburg is improving but you know what's amazing, they're not just aiming to be good, they're aiming to be the very best," said Britton.
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