It was a day of celebration for doctors and staff members at Life Flora Hospital on May 8 when the ribbon was cut to officially open the brand new haematology unit.
Haematology is the study of blood and blood disorders. The personnel working in this unit are highly trained healthcare providers who specialise in diseases of the blood and blood components. These include blood and bone marrow cells. Haematological tests can help diagnose anaemia, infection, and haemophilia. They also include blood clotting disorders and leukaemia.
The hospital manager, Jacques de Klerk, said that they were very excited about the unit, as it will add to the range of state-of-the-art medical care already offered to the hospital’s patients.
This is what he had to say about the unit’s opening:
Q: What was the driving force behind the decision to open a haematology unit at the hospital?
A: The decision was primarily driven by the increasing demand for specialised haematology services within our community. We identified a significant need for comprehensive haematology care, including diagnosis, treatment, and management of various blood disorders and diseases.
Q: How will the addition of this unit contribute to the overall services and capabilities of the hospital?
A: The addition of the haematology unit significantly enhances our hospital’s overall services and capabilities by providing specialised care to patients with haematological conditions. It allows us to offer a comprehensive range of medical services, ensuring that patients have access to high-quality care close to home. Additionally, it strengthens our reputation as a leading healthcare provider in the region.
Q: Can you provide insights into the process of planning and preparing for the opening of the haematology unit?
A: Planning and preparing for the opening of the unit involved a thorough assessment of patient needs, market analysis, and collaboration with haematologists and other healthcare professionals. We focused on designing the unit to meet the specific requirements of haematology patients, including specialised equipment, staff training, and seamless integration with existing hospital services.
Q: How will you gauge the success and effectiveness of the haematology unit after its opening?
A: The success and effectiveness of the unit will be gauged through various metrics, including patient satisfaction surveys, clinical outcomes, utilisation rates, and referral patterns. We will closely monitor key performance indicators to assess the impact of the unit on patient care, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
Q: How does the opening of the haematology unit align with the hospital’s broader mission and vision for patient care and community health?
A: The opening of the unit aligns closely with our hospital’s broader mission and vision for patient care and community health. It reflects our commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centred care that meets the diverse healthcare needs of our community. By offering specialised haematology services, we aim to improve health outcomes, enhance patient experience, contribute to the overall well-being of our community and make life better.
Dr Honest Dewa, the Haematologist at the unit, shared some insights on the new unit:
Q: How will this unit improve patient care and outcomes in haematology?
A: The Haematology Unit at Flora will employ a personalised approach to each patient who comes through, addressing the unique needs of every patient. For the community, it will reduce the distance to travel for care. We will attend to consults within the hospital, making sure that all patients with haematological problems are attended to timeously.
Q: What specialised services or treatments will the unit offer that weren’t available before?
A: New services on offer include: Treatment for acute leukemias and Myelodysplastic Neoplasms, bleeding disorders like Hemophilia, clotting disorders like Thrombophilia, Haemoglobinopathies like Sickle Cell Anemia, Bone Marrow Transplant care, Myeloproliferative Neoplasms like Myelofibrosis.
Q: Can you share some insights into the cutting-edge technology or advancements we can expect to see in this unit?
A: State of the art Chemo infusion suite, and an incorporated chemo pharmacy. Use of latest treatment modalities like Biologics/ Immunotherapy in cancer therapy. Evidence-based medicine will be practised according to the latest available evidence.
Q: What are the main challenges you foresee in running this unit effectively, and how do you plan to address them?
A: Space may become limited in the ward, and an extra ward may be required in near future. The new Haematology ward still awaits approval from the Department of Health.
Q: How will the unit support and engage with patients and their families throughout their treatment journey?
A: The practice has an open-door policy, and we will walk the whole journey with the patients and their families. Families will be able to arrange meetings with our medical staff. There will be synergy with other healthcare providers like psychologists, and social workers, as part of the support structure available to patients and their families.
Q: Can you share some success stories or case studies that demonstrate the impact of haematology services on patient lives?
A: Traditionally, people with Acute Leukemias, especially the elderly did not do well, currently with advancements in treatment strategies, and expanded treatment options, the outcomes have greatly improved. Bone marrow transplant has given a lifeline to many patients with refractory Lymphomas, who can get cured. In Multiple Myeloma, despite being an incurable disease, Bone marrow transplant has given a lot of patients prolonged progression-free survival.
The Nurse Manager, Dr Vasti van Niekerk, shared some insights on how the nursing unit will operate within the new unit:
Q: What specialised training and qualifications will nurses in the haematology unit receive to provide optimal care for patients?
A: Nurses in the haematology unit are specialised in dealing with patients with haematological disorders. Continuous education and professional development opportunities are provided to ensure our nursing staff remains up-to-date with the latest advancements in haematology care. The nursing staff adopts a patient-centred approach that prioritises the individual needs and preferences of each patient. This approach involves fostering open communication, building trust, and actively involving patients and their families in care decisions. Nurses advocate for patients, providing holistic support and addressing their physical, emotional, spiritual and psychosocial needs throughout their treatment journey.
Q: What measures are in place to address the unique needs and concerns of patients undergoing treatment in the haematology unit?
A: To address the unique needs and concerns of patients undergoing treatment in the haematology unit, we have implemented several measures to ensure patient safety and high-quality care. This includes personalised care plans tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and treatment regimen, specialised symptom management protocols, access to supportive services such as social work and nutritional counselling, and ongoing communication to ensure patients, and their families, feel informed and supported at every step of their care.
Q: How will you ensure effective communication and collaboration among nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals within the unit?
A: Effective communication and collaboration amongst nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals who form part of the multidisciplinary team’ involved in the patients’ treatment, within the unit are paramount to provide optimal care.
Q: Can you elaborate on the role of nurses in patient education and empowerment regarding their haematological conditions and treatment options?
A: Nurses play a crucial role in patient education and empowerment regarding their haematological conditions and treatment options. They will provide comprehensive health education on disease processes, treatment modalities, medication management, and self-care strategies. Nurses will also empower patients to actively participate in their care by teaching them how to monitor for signs of complications, adhere to treatment regimens, and make informed decisions about their health.
Q: How will you gauge patient satisfaction and feedback to continually improve the quality of care provided in the haematology unit?
A: Patient satisfaction and feedback will be continually monitored and assessed to improve the quality of care provided in the haematology unit. This includes conducting regular patient surveys, soliciting feedback during care interactions, and implementing quality improvement initiatives based on patient input. Nurses will play a key role in gathering patient feedback and identifying areas for improvement to ensure that we continually enhance the patient experience and meet the evolving needs of our patients.
