SA private hospitals awarded for service

Netcare's Garden City Clinic and Sandton Medi-Clinic were announced joint winners in the competition. Both were nominated in the Public Private Partnerships category and went out of their way to treat public sector patients who had been affected by the September strike.

"Many of these patients were babies and their weak or sick mothers," says Worrall-Clare.

Special centre for babies

At Netcare Garden City Clinic, a special temporary paediatric and neonatal centre was set up in record time. About 90 babies with compromised health received much-needed medical care free-of-charge. "The emergency response at Garden City Clinic demonstrated that communication and co-operation between public and private sectors, as well as swift action, can save lives," says Worrall-Clare.

Resources at Sandton Medi-Clinic's neonatal section were also stretched as premature babies from Chris Hani Baragwaneth Hospital were admitted and received emergency treatment. Sandton Medi-Clinic staff worked 24-hour shifts to help the babies. "A nurse, four paediatricians and paediatric surgeon all assisted and took over their care without hesitation," says Worrall Clare.

Sponsorship

A runner-up in the awards was the Zuid Afrikaans hospital which sponsored medical treatment for a severely burnt Ugandan baby. The baby received major facial reconstruction surgery thanks to surgeons who formed a new nose from one of her ribs during an hour-long operation. The Zuid Afrikaans Hospital sponsored the entire operation and her bed in ICU for a week. "The medical treatment would have cost more than R120 000, way beyond the family's means," says Worrall-Clare. The medical team sponsored their time, expertise and materials for the surgery.

"The Excellence in Healthcare Awards help recognise the commitment of dedicated health workers in South African hospitals to go beyond the call of duty to help their patients," says Worrall-Clare. "