Latest news with #CSSD
IOL News
a day ago
- Health
- IOL News
R59 million upgrade at RK Khan Hospital: a step towards modern healthcare
Nomagugu Simelane, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, during an oversight visit at RK Khan Hospital Image: Supplied DESPITE delays and a missed completion deadline, a R59 million renovation at RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth is almost complete. The 56-year-old hospital underwent waterproofing and internal renovations to Blocks D and E, and the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD). In a statement, Nomagugu Simelane, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, said she was satisfied with the progress made, which was over 400 days past the completion deadline. Simelane was joined by acting head of department Penny Msimango, and members from the health infrastructure unit at an oversight visit at the hospital on Wednesday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ She said the state-of-the-art renovations were aimed at modernising the facility and integrating new medical technology and infrastructure. 'This includes the waterproofing of roof slabs, the complete redesign of Wards D and E according to Infrastructure Unit Support System (IUSS) guidelines. The state-of-the-art renovations were aimed at modernising the facility and integrating new medical technology and infrastructure. Image: Supplied 'The project also involves the removal of existing fittings, fixtures, and outdated electrical, mechanical, and extraction systems, as well as raising all internal partitions in the bed wards to a height of 2.1 metres. 'The redesigned CSSD will now fully comply with IUSS accommodation design standards. These renovations are set to bring the 56-year-old hospital in line with modern medical infrastructure standards,' Simelane added. Cyril Pillay, former chairperson of the RK Khan Hospital board, said he commended the KZN Department of Health for the substantial progress made in upgrading the hospital. 'As a servant of the community and a firm believer in the dignity and value of every human life, I welcome the R59 million investment in modernising this vital healthcare facility. 'These renovations and updated infrastructure represent more than just construction. They are a testament to our government's commitment to providing our people with safe, clean, and efficient healthcare environments. 'The hospital has served our communities for over five decades. Many families in eThekwini and surrounding areas have turned to it in times of need. This new infrastructure will bring healing, dignity, improve staff morale, and create an environment that supports cutting-edge medical care,' he added. He said while delays were acknowledged, the oversight visit by the MEC was welcomed. 'We appreciate the oversight visit and accountability shown by MEC Simelane and the infrastructure team. Let us continue to pray for wisdom, excellence, and compassion to guide those entrusted with our healthcare. As a community, we celebrate this milestone together, because a healthier province is a stronger province." Dr Imran Keeka, spokesperson on health for the Democratic Alliance, said: 'We note that the upgrade project is finally reaching conclusion despite being some 400 days over its original scheduled conclusion date of November 2023. The upgrades are finally reaching an end and this is commendable. The project delays have caused immense inconvenience to patients, staff and management of the facility. 'The nearby Clairwood Hospital has also had to step in and foster patients, with patients transferred there for admission on a daily basis, using vital Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) resources. 'The knock-on effect is that instead of local ambulances being available for emergencies, they were busy ferrying patients from one hospital to another,' he added. Keeka said the situation had also led to doctors having to do ward rounds to see patients at two different hospitals and where specialised services were only at RK Khan Hospital, patients were brought to and from the facility on multiple occasions.
Arab Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Arab Times
Expert tips on the best time and way to take vitamin D for better absorption
NEW YORK, June 2: When browsing the supplement aisle, you'll often see multivitamins, omega-3s, and probiotics taking up most of the shelf space. However, if your multivitamin doesn't include vitamin D, your doctor might suggest adding a separate vitamin D supplement to your daily routine. Known as the 'sunshine vitamin,' vitamin D is something many people don't get enough of, so if you're wondering when is the best time to take it, here's what you need to know. What is vitamin D? Roxana Ehsani, M.S., RD, CSSD, explains that vitamin D is one of four fat-soluble vitamins (the others being vitamins A, E, and K). Our bodies produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and we can also obtain it through certain foods. Vitamin D plays many essential roles in the body, including supporting the immune system, muscle and nerve function, and helping the body absorb calcium. Despite its importance, research shows that about 25% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. This deficiency can be attributed to limited dietary sources of vitamin D, reduced sun exposure during winter, living in areas with little sunlight, or habits like covering the skin when outdoors. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for most older adults is 20 micrograms (800 international units, IU). For context, one egg or a 3-ounce can of tuna contains just over 1 mcg, 3 ounces of sockeye salmon has around 12 mcg, and 3 ounces of trout offer about 14 mcg. Unless you consume fish like salmon or trout daily or take cod liver oil (which has 34 mcg), it's difficult to meet the recommended intake through diet alone, as most foods provide only small amounts. In the U.S., fortified milk is the main dietary source of vitamin D, containing approximately 100 IU per 8-ounce serving. However, to meet the daily value, you'd need to drink over a quart of milk each day. Milk consumption has been decreasing in recent years, which some experts believe contributes to rising vitamin D deficiency rates. Why take a supplement? Because of these challenges, many people choose to take vitamin D supplements. However, it's important not only to take the correct dose but also to ensure your body absorbs it effectively. Here's what you should consider when deciding how and when to take your vitamin D. Morning or evening? Current scientific consensus indicates that the time of day you take vitamin D doesn't significantly affect how well it's absorbed. Some prefer taking supplements in the morning as part of their routine before the day starts, while others keep them handy in the evening after finishing chores. The key is consistency—pick a time you can stick to so you don't forget. What factors affect vitamin D supplementation? Several factors can influence your vitamin D levels or your need for supplementation. Health conditions like osteoporosis, osteopenia, depression, kidney or liver disease, and a family history of neurological disorders may impact your vitamin D status. David Davidson, M.D., stresses that people with absorption issues, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease or who have undergone gastric bypass surgery, should work closely with their doctors to tailor their vitamin D dosage and timing. Body size can also affect how vitamin D is absorbed, so individualized advice from your healthcare provider is important before choosing a supplement. If you experience side effects like nausea, constipation, or changes in appetite after taking supplements, consult your doctor. Personal preference matters Incorporating vitamin D into your daily habits is essential to ensure you take it regularly. Many people find success by 'habit stacking,' which means pairing vitamin D intake with another daily routine, such as brushing teeth. For example, placing your supplements next to your toothbrush can serve as a helpful reminder. Always check with a healthcare professional to determine the best timing for you, but generally, the 'best' time to take vitamin D is whatever fits your schedule and ensures consistency. Take vitamin D with food Since vitamin D is fat-soluble, taking it with a meal containing healthy fats can improve absorption. For example, if you eat almond-butter toast in the morning, take your supplement then, as almond butter has healthy fats. Similarly, a salad with walnuts and vinaigrette at dinner is a good pairing. You might also take vitamin D with a glass of whole milk or yogurt, which provides calcium that works synergistically with vitamin D. If eating with your supplement isn't always practical, such as when meals are on the go, discuss your schedule with a healthcare provider to find a good alternative. Types of vitamin D There are two main forms of vitamin D: D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 is found in UV-exposed plants, fungi, and fortified foods, while D3 comes from sunlight and animal-based sources. Both forms are beneficial, but D3 is more bioavailable, meaning your body uses it more efficiently. This means you may need a higher dose of D2 to get the same effect as D3. Before starting supplementation, talk to your healthcare provider about which form is best for you. If you're already taking vitamin D, verify that you have the correct type. The best time to take vitamin D is when it fits seamlessly into your daily routine, making it easier to remember. Choose vitamin D3 over D2 for better absorption. Ideally, take your supplement with a meal containing fat to maximize uptake. For example, if you prefer taking vitamin D early in the morning or right before bed, accompany it with a small serving of nuts or nut butter to boost absorption and gain additional nutritional benefits.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Support staff of Rims protest salary delay
Ranchi: Healthcare services at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) were affected briefly in the first half of Tuesday after employees from the central sterile supply department (CSSD) and the laundry unit protested against non-payment of salaries for the past several months. The strike threatened the suspension of all cardiac and other critical surgical procedures until noon. Officials, however, claimed that no major problem was encountered during the period. CSSD and laundry workers, whose responsibilities include sterilising surgical instruments and managing hospital linen, struck work. These workers, who earn between Rs 6,500 and Rs 8,500 per month, claimed that they reached a point of starvation and severe financial distress. Many reported being deep in debt, unable to pay household expenses or their children's school fees. Agustin Bakhla, a protester, said, "It's been six months without pay. Our patience has run out. We are drowning in debt and struggling to feed our families." Pankaj Kumar, another protester, said, "We have issued a written warning to the hospital authorities 10 days before the strike, indicating that we would stop work if our salary issues were not addressed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Despite this, the administration reportedly failed to take timely action." Notably, Rims outsourced CSSD and laundry services to Medilab, a private agency. However, the agency failed to pay its workers for months, citing delayed payments from the hospital. Rims director Dr Raj Kumar said, "According to terms of agreement, Medilab is obligated to continue paying its workers regardless of delays in institutional payments, a clause it clearly violated." The administration acknowledged that some of Medilab's earlier bills were submitted late, which contributed to payment delays. However, officials affirmed that recent bills were submitted on time and that the institution would clear the pending payments within three days. According to the Rims administration, all services continued without disruption as the strike was called off. Meanwhile, the employees agreed to return to work after assurances from the administration and a written commitment from Medilab to clear pending dues within a week. The Rims director has instructed officials to submit a report on the reasons for the strike within five days. "If the contractor is found guilty of violating the tender terms and disrupting essential services, Rims will lodge an FIR against them," Dr Kumar added.
