​Lerato Mailoane
The revamped Trauma Ward at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) will help staff at the healthcare facility to cope better with the heavy patient load, said Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla.
Speaking at the opening of the newly renovated Trauma Unit at the hospital on Tuesday, 18 October, Phaahla said the hospital needs to have a fully functional trauma ward, as it is one of the busiest hospitals in the country.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and representatives of the Stanley and Daphne Nkosi Foundation were among the attendees at the official opening of the revamped unit.
The unit is the largest in the country (with 52 beds) and will ensure that Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital continues to provide effective and efficient health services.
According to the CEO of the hospital, Dr Lesia, the unit was in a dilapidated state, the environment was no longer therapeutic for the patients, and there were already issues of non-compliance with Occupational Health Safety regulations and Ideal facility norms and standards.
"Ward 1 was included in the list for the planned renovations, but funding was limited, and there was a likelihood that the planned refurbishment might not take off in the current financial year," added Dr Lesia.
The renovation project is part Vuka Bara Vuka campaign, a campaign which was initiated by the Stanley and Daphne Nkosi Foundation, which aims to encourage and inspire Soweto residents and nearby communities to restore the legacy of CHBAH Hospital.
"Health is the lifeline of any community, and often it is those who don't have the financial means are often at the tail end of bad service.
"A sustainable appreciation of this institution doesn't exist; it is only in words. Let us not just call for lip service to this hospital. The #VukaBaraVuka initiative aims to go beyond words and implement practical measures required to improve our health system," said Daphne Nkosi from the Stanley and Daphne Nkosi foundation.
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, hailed the foundation for its generous contribution to the renovated trauma ward and thanked her for pouring her heart, soul and mind into the hospital.
"We are here today on behalf of the people of the country and SADC to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. When we look at the state-of-the-art facilities you have already built, say your contribution inspires us to provide better services to the public.
He further urged the provincial Department of Health to emulate the example by Daphne Nkosi Foundation to ensure that government provides quality services to the public.