Pretoria – The North West province has introduced what it calls non-negotiable standards to improve the management of health facilities.
North West Health MEC Magome Masike says this includes a drill each facility manager needs to carry out every day in order to ensure that high standards are maintained.
The drill covers infection control and cleaning; ensuring a constant supply of medicines, essential drugs and medical supplies; removal of medical waste; securing blood supply, food, security and laundry services as well as essential equipment and maintenance thereof.
Since the non-negotiables were first mooted in 2011, the North West Health Department says it has put in place stringent measures to improve health outcomes in the province.
“We have installed CCTV cameras at all hospitals to improve security. The introduction of the non-negotiable mandates has resulted in improved security for our staff and patients and more efficient laundry services at all health facilities.
“We are working around the clock to improve laundry services across the province and have since started the process of procuring three laundry machines for Mahikeng Provincial Hospital (MPH).
“This move is a step closer to establish a central laundry for the Ngaka Modiri Molema District,” MEC Masike said.
A number of health facilities in the province have been recognised as some of the cleanest in the country.
The availability of essential drugs like anti-retroviral and tuberculosis drugs has stabilised since the department took control of the medical depot in 2011.
“We promised to turn around the situation by substantially increasing the availability of drugs and medicine. I am happy to report that the situation has improved and continues to improve,” MEC Masike said.
“I need to emphasise that turning around the medical depot is work in progress. The expanded pharmacy at both Ganyesa Hospital and Bloemhof Community Health Centre will help with bulk storage of medication and other essential drugs to substantially add to our efforts of ensuring constant availability of medication in our facilities,” he said.
Patient experience
North West resident Annah Bodibe (51) was diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes in 2007.
She said she has never experienced any trouble with her medication at the Bapong Community Health Centre.
“I have never missed a date for my follow up visits and always get my treatment. As a result, I have never had serious health problems,” Bodibe said.
When given generic medication, Bodibe said she always asks the nurse to explain to her why her medication has changed.
She admits to not knowing the exact names of the pills she takes and so recognises them by their appearance. – SAnews.gov.za
