Gauteng health dept. tackling unpredicted medical occurrences

By Johannah Malogadihlare

The Gauteng health department is taking action to address the safety of patients following a woman who committed suicide at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Tshwane.

Gauteng health and wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said on
Wednesday that a number of initiatives were in place to address patients’ safety in health facilities and reduce serious adverse events (SAEs) across the province.

The government was providing specialised training to all quality assurance officials and clinical managers to improve their skills in the prevention, reporting and management of SAEs.

A 36-year-old woman patient was found dead at the hospital over the
weekend. She had hanged herself with a cellphone cable in a bathroom.

The MEC said in a statement that healthcare facilities had adopted a proactive approach by conducting self-assessments to identify risks and areas that needed improvement.

“…the department has also launched awareness campaigns targeting hospital and district