Cape Town has one of the world’s highest trauma rates, and Groote Schuur Hospital’s emergency and trauma units are overwhelmed by cases linked to violence, alcohol use and road accidents, particularly during the festive season. To ease this strain, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness upgraded the hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Centre.
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The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness invested approximately R200m in the project to support patients and the healthcare team.
Strengthening emergency response
The upgraded facility now provides modern clinical infrastructure, advanced medical technology, dedicated trauma treatment areas, and enhanced resuscitation facilities.
Philanthropic donors also supported the project through the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust.
Their contributions funded vital clinical equipment for the Emergency and Trauma Centre, including digital mobile X-ray units, ventilators, ultrasound machines, transport monitors, and other essential emergency-care technologies.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said the investment will strengthen Groote Schuur Hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies with urgency and care.
“Groote Schuur’s Emergency Centre is one of the busiest in Africa, treating between 3,500 and 4,500 patients every month,” said Wenger.
“Our patients and staff deserve a facility equipped to respond effectively when people need urgent care, whether they arrive with serious injuries, acute medical conditions, or surgical emergencies.”
Patient-centred care
The new centre includes dedicated family and relative waiting areas, allowing relatives to stay close while receiving updates from healthcare teams.
The centre also introduced a dedicated patient liaison officer in response to feedback from patients and families over the years.
This role will assist families by providing guidance, facilitating communication, and helping relatives navigate the emergency care environment during times of uncertainty.
Dr Shaheem de Vries, Groote Schuur Hospital CEO, said the project reflects a commitment to patient-centred care and to supporting families throughout their healthcare journey.
“We are grateful to the donors who have supported Groote Schuur Hospital through the Hospital Trust and helped equip the facility with technology that will directly benefit patients and healthcare teams,” De Vries said.
“Every aspect of the centre has been designed with patients at its core, from the clinical infrastructure and specialised equipment to the dedicated spaces that support emergency and trauma care,” De Vries added.
