Latest news with #NomantuNkomo-Ralehoko
IOL News
a day ago
- Health
- IOL News
Transforming healthcare: Gauteng digitises 800,000 patient files at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has welcomed the digitisation of the more than 800, 000 patient files at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Acedemic Hospital on Tuesday. Image: Supplied, Gauteng Department of Health The Gauteng Department of Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has hailed the digitisation of more than 800,000 patient files at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) in Soweto. On Tuesday, the department hosted a media breakfast to reflect on the digitisation of these records at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, with plans to extend the process to other key healthcare facilities. Nkomo-Ralehoko underscored the transformative nature of the project, which replaces traditional paper-based medical records with a secure, efficient, and accessible digital filing system "This improves service delivery, strengthens data security, and ensures compliance with privacy standards. Beyond technology, the initiative has empowered 100 young people from local communities through skills development and employment, driving economic inclusion and ownership. These individuals will now become team leaders as the project is taken to other hospitals. Over the next 36 months, we're digitising at least 800 million patient records across all 37 Gauteng hospitals," she said. 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 ✕ The project benefited from a partnership between the department and the Mintgroup as a way to roll out the program to hospitals such as Thelle Mogoerane, Tembisa Tertiary, Steve Biko Academic, Sebokeng, and the Tambo Memorial hospitals. The milestone, which was noted during a media breakfast hosted at CHBAH, forms part of a bold digital transformation drive to improve efficiency, patient care, and system accountability across 37 public hospitals in the province. Nkomo-Ralehoko said this was a great milestone for the province of Gauteng and all its patients who will benefit from an efficient file management system.. "This milestone for the 800,000 patient files here at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Academic Hospital is part of a pilot project as it lays the foundation for upscaling the initiative to other hospitals. This is not just a typical achievement. It is a leap forward in restoring the dignity of patients in improving the desirability of the public healthcare system," she stated. The MEC indicated that the department intends to integrate these records into the broader Health Information System (HIS) and expanding supporting technologies such as Queue Management Systems and Radiology Image Archiving (PACS). "These innovations further enhance patient flow, reduce overcrowding and improve the overall service turnaround times. The digitised files representing more than 42 million pages are now stored in a secure cloud environment, accessible to authorised healthcare professionals," she added.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng Hospitals achieve record 806 surgeries on Mandela Day
The Gauteng Department of Health has introduced South Africa's first Treatment Time Guarantees system. Gauteng public hospitals made medical history on Friday by performing 806 surgical procedures in a 12-hour surgical marathon across 29 institutions. The achievement marks the third edition of the Mandela Day Surgical Marathon initiative and represents a significant increase from the 742 surgeries performed in the previous year. According to the Gauteng Department of Health, the province has become the first in South Africa to introduce Treatment Time Guarantees (TTGs), a framework designed to eliminate unnecessary delays in surgical care. Surgical marathon continues The surgical procedures were completed by 7pm on 18 July, surpassing last year's performance by 64 operations. 'The surgical marathon will continue, however, to run until the end of July 2025,' said Motalatale Modiba, Head of Communication at the Gauteng Department of Health. This year's procedures focused on critical specialities, including cleft palate repair, cataract surgery, colostomy reversal, and prostate procedures. The operations aimed to enhance patient independence and overall well-being, alongside general surgical interventions. MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the initiative's growing success. 'Since we embarked on the surgical marathons three years ago, each year we surpass the target of the previous year as we strive to do more to make a difference. The work we do during this period is over and above the normal elective surgeries done by our facilities,' she explained. ALSO READ: Gauteng gets R67bn to fix hospitals, slash waiting times and rescue public health Pioneering treatment time guarantees framework The Gauteng Department of Health has introduced South Africa's first Treatment Time Guarantees system. The innovative approach establishes maximum allowable waiting times for various surgical procedures based on urgency and clinical condition. 'This innovative framework is implemented to improve access to surgical care, promote transparency and strengthen public health accountability,' Modiba stated. The strategic reform aims to streamline surgical care access, prioritise patient needs and hold healthcare facilities accountable for timely treatment delivery. ALSO READ: Gauteng Health dismisses linen shortage claims at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital Historic healthcare transformation Speaking at the TTG launch, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted the province's leadership role. 'Gauteng is taking a historic step in transforming surgical care by introducing the Treatment Time Guarantees. We are leading the way by ensuring that patients receive the surgeries they need without unnecessary delays. 'This framework empowers us to actively manage waiting lists and enhance the quality of care for all,' she said. The MEC added that the initiative draws from international best practices. 'This groundbreaking innovation underscores our commitment to improved healthcare delivery in Gauteng, drawing from global best practices while tailoring the TTG framework to meet the unique needs of our healthcare system,' she noted. ALSO READ: New board members across Gauteng hospitals Facility upgrades enhance patient care Alongside the surgical marathon, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko reopened the newly refurbished Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. The upgraded facility can now offer safer, more precise prostate biopsies without requiring a surgical theatre. Additionally, the Helen Joseph Hospital Breast Centre of Excellence has also been reopened with enhanced capabilities. Nkomo-Ralehoko said the upgraded facility will improve early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer through advanced imaging and testing equipment. READ NEXT: DA disputes Gauteng health's denial of hospital linen shortage
Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Health
- Eyewitness News
Gauteng Health Dept conducted 806 surgical procedures on Mandela Day
JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Health said it conducted 806 surgical procedures on Nelson Mandela Day and plans to continue with mass surgeries until the end of July. Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko praised healthcare workers for their commitment, saying staff across the department demonstrated their dedication to saving lives in honour of Madiba. She also announced the official opening of a newly refurbished breast cancer centre at Helen Joseph Hospital. Nkomo-Ralehoko said the facility will enhance early detection and diagnosis, while also expanding treatment services. 'I am excited again because people are starting to assist those people that are suffering on breast cancer. They are assisting them there a quite a number of things that when you see those people that are not well in the communities, having problems when now we know that Mandela Day will be the day we target those specific cases.'
IOL News
3 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Gauteng hospitals perform over 800 surgeries in 12 hours for Mandela Day
Medical teams across 29 Gauteng public hospitals performed over 800 surgeries in just 12 hours as part of the Mandela Day Surgical Marathons Image: Pixabay/pexels In a powerful tribute to Nelson Mandela's legacy, Gauteng's public hospitals successfully performed over 800 life-changing surgeries on Mandela Day, July 18. According to the Gauteng Department of Health, 806 surgical procedures were completed across 29 institutions within 12 hours, surpassing the 742 surgeries conducted in 2024. 'This is 64 surgeries more than was the case in 2024 (742). The surgical marathon will continue, however, continue to run until the end of July 2025,' the Department said. The initiative, now in its third year, focused on critical surgeries such as cleft palate repair, cataract surgery, colostomy reversal, and prostate procedures. These were performed alongside general surgeries to improve the independence and well-being of patients across the province. MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, praised the collaborative effort. 'Since we embarked on the surgical marathons three years ago, each year we surpass the target of the previous year as we strive to do more to make a difference. The work we do during this period is over and above the normal elective surgeries done by our facilities,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. The Mandela Day Surgical Marathons were supported by healthcare professionals, university students, and partners such as the Smile Foundation and Dr SK Matseke Hospital. In a major development to further healthcare delivery, Gauteng also became the first provincial health department in South Africa to introduce Treatment Time Guarantees (TTGs), a framework designed to reduce surgical waiting times and ensure accountability in patient care. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ 'This innovative framework is implemented to improve access to surgical care, promote transparency and strengthen public health accountability,' the statement noted. TTGs establish maximum allowable waiting times based on urgency and clinical need. Speaking at the launch, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted the impact. 'Gauteng is taking a historic step in transforming surgical care by introducing the Treatment Time Guarantees. We are leading the way by ensuring that patients receive the surgeries they need without unnecessary delays. This framework empowers us to actively manage waiting lists and enhance the quality of care for all.' She further emphasised that this groundbreaking innovation underscores our commitment to improved healthcare delivery in Gauteng, drawing from global best practices while tailoring the TTG framework to meet the unique needs of our healthcare system. The province also marked additional milestones, including the reopening of a newly refurbished Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. The unit is now capable of conducting safer, more precise prostate biopsies without surgical theatres. Moreover, Helen Joseph Hospital's Breast Centre of Excellence has been upgraded to improve imaging, testing, and early diagnosis of breast cancer. 'This facility will expand treatment services and provide a welcoming, dignified space for care, bringing hope to patients and families during their most vulnerable moments,' the Department said. IOL News
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng health gets R67bn to rescue public health
New hospitals, surgical backlogs, and expanded mental health services headline the 2025-26 Gauteng health budget. The Gauteng Department of Health has been allocated a R67 billion budget for the 2025-26 financial year to improve service delivery, strengthen infrastructure, and address pressing health needs across the province. Gauteng MEC for health and wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, presented the department's post-budget speech media briefing at the provincial legislature on Tuesday. 'This budget affirms our commitment to strengthen services, improve infrastructure, and address priority health needs across the province,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. Infrastructure, digital expansion, and forensics According to Nkomo-Ralehoko, R1.7 billion has been earmarked for hospital maintenance and new capital projects. Of this, R100 million will go toward upgrading laundry services and operating theatres, with refurbishments already underway at Carletonville and Bheki Mlangeni hospitals. '[Projects include] the Daveyton new hospital, Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital with 287 new mental health beds, and the upgrading of Johan Heyns Community Health Centre into a district hospital to meet the needs of the community,' she added. The department is scaling up its hospital digitisation programme at Chris Hani Baragwanath to 36 more facilities 'This project is a catalyst for skill transfer for 100 young people in the local communities, bringing economic opportunity and community ownership.' Forensic Pathology Services will implement biometric tagging and fingerprint integration for enhanced traceability. Two LowDox machines, valued at R14 million, will enhance non-invasive forensic diagnostics. ALSO READ: Gauteng health MEC warns against denying foreign nationals health care access Mental health, maternal care and human resources A total of R484.1 million is allocated for mental health services this year, increasing to R1.4 billion over the medium term. 'We added 400 long-term care beds, bringing total capacity to 1 930 and expanded occupational therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation services at Tara Hospital,' the MEC stated. Primary Health Care receives R38.4 billion, with maternal and child health prioritised to reduce preventable maternal and perinatal deaths. To address staffing shortages, the department is investing in nurse training. 'We have prioritised the training of nurses in our colleges, 500 professional nurses, 200 midwifery undergraduates, and 90 postgrads in midwifery will be trained by December. 'Given our resource constraints, we will fill all critical posts in a phased-in manner,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. ALSO READ: 'Remedial work at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital on track,' says Gauteng Health Surgical backlog, HIV and TB programmes According to the MEC, a major innovation this year is the Treatment Time Guarantee (TTG), which will provide patients with a timeline for their surgical procedures during their first booking. In honour of Mandela Day, observed on 18 July, clinical teams will perform around 1 000 surgeries on cataracts, prostate cancer, cleft palates, and colostomy reversals. In the fight against HIV and TB, R5.4 billion is budgeted. Currently, 95% of people living with HIV know their status, and 76% of those are on treatment. In addition, the department aims to re-engage more than 326 000 people in treatment and test 900 000 for TB by December. ALSO READ: New board members across Gauteng hospitals Cost management and looking ahead Efforts to reduce medico-legal claims have seen contingent liabilities drop from R24.7 billion in 2019-20 to R7.2 billion in 2024/25. 'We are shifting focus from paying for errors to preventing them,' said the MEC. Concluding her address, Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised accountability and impact. 'This budget is for impact and delivery… to ensure dignity and care remain central to our service.' NOW READ: Gauteng Health dismisses linen shortage claims at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital
