Ambulances handed over to Limpopo hospital in the hopes of improving health services

LIMPOPO – Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba said communities must treat clinics as their first port of call when accessing public health care services.

Ramathuba who was joined by Thulamela Mayor, Avhashoni Tshifhango and some senior members in the Department of Health in the Vhembe region, handed over six new ambulances to the Tshilidzini Hospital on Friday.

MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba leading the management of Tshilidzini Hospital on taking rounds at the hospital grounds ahead of an event where she will handover 6 EMS Vehicles to the Hospital. pic.twitter.com/JIVtPGYvrj

— neil shikwambana (@mubyisi) March 29, 2019

Too often, patients go directly to a hospital when they could have been assisted at their local clinics, Ramathuba said.

“The first stop for an ill person should be at a primary health care facility like a clinic.

“This should be followed by a referral to secondary facilities like a district hospital if necessary.

“Clinics are built within the local communities, so that people can easily access health care services. If nurses have screened you, and see that you need a higher level of care, they will make a referral for you to go to hospital,” she advised.

She said while five other ambulances will be handed over to other hospitals in the region, one ambulance will be based at Tshilidzini, working as the down referral if the patient was examined and found was not at high risk.

She urged nurses to take their careers seriously and put in their best efforts to deliver the best health care services possible.

Makumbane said he was thankful for the ambulances.

“We hope better health services will be rendered.

“We applaud the good work done by some of the nurses, who are showing they are devoted to their work,” said Makumbane.

capvoice@nmgroup.co.za