Gauteng steps up efforts to improve patient safety

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is ramping up efforts to improve patient safety and reduce serious adverse events in its health facilities.

According to spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko outlined a strategy to foster a safer healthcare environment. Modiba said the GDoH is enforcing mandatory adherence to patient safety guidelines, ensuring that all serious adverse cases are reported within 24 hours and promptly investigated. Depending on the severity, these cases are either discussed at facility patient safety incident committee meetings or reviewed clinically.

He added that specialised training has been provided to quality assurance officials and clinical managers to enhance their skills in preventing, reporting, and managing serious cases.

“This initiative supports the department’s commitment to continuous professional development.”

Modiba noted that, in line with the Ideal Hospital Framework, healthcare facilities are taking a proactive approach by conducting routine self-assessments through walkabouts led by facility management to identify potential risks.

Additionally, Clinical Governance Structures, such as mortality and morbidity committees for all disciplines, have been re-established to create a platform for learning and decision-making to improve clinical care.

“To ensure continuous monitoring, serious cases are tracked through the national database system, along with evaluations of the quality improvement implementation plan,” Modiba said.

The department has also launched awareness campaigns to promote vigilance in identifying clinical risks and to ensure timely reporting and decision-making. These campaigns include workshops to train staff and nursing students.

Serious adverse events

In 2023, GDoH facilities recorded 7 117 serious adverse events, with 2 273 incidents documented from January this year.

“These incidents range from clinical administration issues to healthcare-associated infections, medication errors, and patient accidents,” Modiba added.

Nkomo-Ralehoko said these statistics reflect a more stable environment as the department works towards reducing patient safety incidents.

“As part of our quality improvement commitment, disciplinary action has been taken against 29 officials from 10 health facilities. We are dedicated to implementing recommendations from investigations to improve safety protocols.”

Woman found dead

The plans follow a tragic incident on Monday, when a 36-year-old woman was found dead in a bathroom at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa. She had been admitted last Saturday and was receiving care in ward 37.

The patient was found at approximately 13:00 by a nurse making rounds, who noticed the bathroom door was locked. After knocking without a response, she sought assistance. The two nurses forced the door open and found the patient hanging by a cellphone charger cable.

Earlier this year, a fire at the same hospital claimed the life of a 35-year-old female patient in the psychiatric ward. The fire broke out just four days after her admission, although 17 other patients were safely relocated.