The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko together with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits on August 26 officially opened the new wing extension of the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
“Today is a day of celebration, a day where we witness the fruits of our collective efforts in the journey to change the face of public healthcare in the province.
“Today we are not just celebrating the extended Burns Unit, but we also recognise the greater impact that this facility will have on the communities of Soweto and surrounding areas, including those from other provinces,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
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Over 700 patients both adults and children get admitted to the unit for critical care annually.
The new burns unit will increase capacity and also advance research to enhance the science and treatment of burns.
The official grand opening of the new Burns unit event was graced by the presence of the First Lady of the Republic of South Africa, Doctor Tshepo Motsepe, and the Roy McAlpine Charitable Foundation which is the doner of the Burn Unit.
The CEO of Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Doctor Nthabiseng Makgana spoke about the service delivery improvements that will come with the opening of the new Burns Unit.
“The establishment of this Burns Unit is such a testament to the remarkable work that we can do as a collective, Chris Hani Bara, and the McAlpine family.
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“Your unwavering support has brought this vision to life. We will be able to have specialised comprehensive care for burned patients and offer them not only advanced medical treatment but also comfort and reassurance.
“You can imagine when patients are burned, there’s quite a lot that goes through them emotionally, psychologically, and physically while some of them might lose some sort of function,” said Dr Makgana.
She concluded by expressing gratitude to the Wits University and McAlpine Charitable Foundation for the R70 million donation and R30 million respectively for the extension of the Burns Unit at Bara Hospital.
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The Head of the Burns Unit Department, Prof Adelin Muganza indicated that through the R100 million investment from Roy McAlpine and Wits University, they now have two new ICU beds that include advanced equipment that developed countries have and use to assist their patients.
They also have new operating theatres that will stop delays in operations for patients.
