In-depth: Millions spent on security at Gauteng health facilities but concerns remain

Posted in: Gauteng, Latest, Provinces

The Gauteng Department of Health annually spends millions on security at its health facilities based on contracts that expired in 2016 and that since have been extended from month to month. Yet, theft, vandalism, and reports of healthcare workers who work in fear at some health facilities continue. Despite this, the department insists that spending on security is not wasteful and “the business case for security remains robust”. Thabo Molelekwa and Alicestine October reports.

In-depth: Millions spent on security at Gauteng health facilities but concerns remain

Ageing nurses: A crisis on the horizon

Posted in: Healthcare system, Healthcare Workers, Latest

Nurses make up a large part of the healthcare workforce in South Africa, but almost half of them are set to retire in the next 15 years. This suggests existing shortages of nurses will become even greater unless we take concrete steps to boost nurse training and retention. Elna Schütz reports.

Medical intern burnout worsened by COVID-19

Posted in: COVID-19, Healthcare system, Healthcare Workers, Latest

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic many medical interns in South Africa had a tough time, often working long hours and with little oversight or support. Chris Bateman spoke to interns and junior doctors in public hospitals and tag-on COVID-19 facilities, who are performing tasks of porters, auxiliary nurses, and liaising with anxious relatives, instead of getting the required hands-on, supervised learning.

Medical intern burnout worsened by COVID-19

Transport issues putting brakes on vaccination efforts in rural Free State

Posted in: COVID-19, Free State, Latest, Provinces

In the Free State as a whole, roughly 16 COVID-19 jabs have been administered for every 100 people. In the province’s rural districts, the number is closer to one for every 100. Refilwe Mochoari spoke to a nursing union, some organisations on the ground, and the Free State Department of Health to get the full picture.

Transport issues putting brakes on vaccination efforts in rural Free State

Old struggles persist for CHWs in Free State

Posted in: Free State, Healthcare system, Healthcare Workers, Latest, Provinces, Resources

Seven years after over 100 community health workers were arrested during a vigil at the provincial health department’s headquarters, Bophelo House, the struggles of community healthcare workers in the Free State continue as they are still calling for job security. Refilwe Mochoari reports.

Old struggles persist for CHWs in Free State

In-depth: What South Africa’s power cuts mean for health facilities

Posted in: COVID-19, Latest

Every now and again people in South Africa have to endure a few weeks of mostly scheduled power cuts. Because power cuts can be deadly in hospitals, most facilities have backup systems in place. Tiyese Jeranji investigates how it all works and what safeguards are in place to prevent the lights from going out while you are on the theatre table.

In-depth: What South Africa’s power cuts mean for health facilities

Employing more nurses can reduce total health costs, study suggests

Posted in: Latest

A recent study published in The Lancet medical journal suggests that employing more nurses can result in cost savings double the cost of employing the additional nurses. The study was conducted in Australia but may well have important implications for nursing in South Africa. Tiyese Jeranji reports.

Employing more nurses can reduce total health costs, study suggests

COVID-19: Is the Free State ready for a third wave?

Posted in: Latest

COVID-19 numbers have in recent weeks been rising in the Free State, leading some to fear that the province might be at the beginning of a third wave of infections. Refilwe Mochoari asked the Department of Health, unions, and opposition political parties whether the province is ready for a third wave.

COVID-19: Is the Free State ready for a third wave?

Eastern Cape: Questions over vaccine readiness in rural areas

Posted in: Eastern Cape, Latest, Provinces

The shortcomings of healthcare services in the rural Eastern Cape is well documented. Now, with provinces gearing up for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Luvuyo Mehlwana asked local health activists and government leaders about the rollout plan for rural communities in the province.

Eastern Cape: Questions over vaccine readiness in rural areas

In-depth: Women living with HIV, still waiting on redress after ‘forced sterilisations’

Posted in: Edition 6: HIV & teens, Edition 9: State of HIV, Gauteng, HIV/AIDS, KwaZulu-Natal, Latest, Provinces, Reproductive Health, SRHR

Almost nine months since the Commission on Gender Equality (CGE) released a damning report with dozens of women living with HIV’s testimonies about forced sterilisations allegedly performed on them in public health facilities, the Department of Health has now moved to implement the Commission’s recommendations. Nomfundo Xolo reports.

In-depth: Women living with HIV, still waiting on redress after ‘forced sterilisations’

SA is facing a healthcare worker crisis – What to do?

Posted in: Healthcare system, Healthcare Workers, Latest, NHI

Many healthcare workers are rightly identified as heroes of South Africa’s COVID-19 response. Yet, often healthcare workers are given very little support in the public healthcare system, something that may get worse as healthcare worker shortages get more acute in the coming years. Kathryn Cleary investigates.

SA is facing a healthcare worker crisis – What to do?

COVID-19: Healthcare worker unions explain their concerns

Posted in: Latest

As South Africa’s COVID-19 numbers continues to rise, long-simmering healthcare worker complaints are boiling over. Tiyese Jeranji spoke to trade union representatives from Hospersa, Denosa, Nehawu and YNITU about salary disputes, staff shortages, healthcare workers safety, psychological strain, and access to personal protective equipment.