Operational Efficiency
This state of the art hospital is the first privately owned fully digitally integrated hospital in South Africa. Everything about the hospital from the ward design to the sophisticated software and medical technology works towards the twin goals of superior health care and maximum operational efficiency. The hospital won an award in November 2008 from the Hospital Association of South Africa for Excellence in World Class Technology.
The electrical and data cabling requirements of the hospital have been designed to support the concept of a ‘digital hospital’. The hospital’s computer system integrates clinical, financial and operational information and allows staff to work in a ‘paper light’ environment. Test results and radiology images are available to medical staff as they are performed. This means that a doctor in his rooms can view and interpret results as the patient is undergoing tests in the hospital. The system allows for faster diagnosis and treatment and, it is hoped, a reduced hospital stay for the patient.
Having a fully digital hospital requires an uninterrupted power supply. In designing the hospital, a generator which allows the hospital to remain fully operational for an indefinite period has been specified. In the event of a power failure, EthekwiniHospital will continue as normal.
One of the particular elements of the brief was to create a facility that would serve the growing needs of the community. The plan for the hospital takes into account the immediate requirements and extrapolates them into the future. The building can be expanded at minimum cost and with little disruption to the existing hospital operations. The infrastructure will support advances in technology and will still be a state of the art medical facility years from now.
Social Responsibility
The hospital participates in the Eyecare Awareness Programme. During Eyecare Awareness Week in September 2009, cataract extraction surgery was done free of charge to 25 indigent patients. Ophthalmologists and anaesthetists at EHHC offered their services free of charge and the hospital absorbed the associated costs.
To commemorate health days and to raise awareness around matters of health the hospital hosts Health Awareness days providing free medical testing and health talks and advice to the public. These include blood pressure, blood glucose, blood cholesterol and BMI checks. Professional nurses, dieticians and bio-kineticists are also on hand during these sessions to give advice on how to maintain a healthy life style.
The hospital also runs a very successful Work Experience Programme for learners from schools in the catchment area.
Mission
To practice a patient centered, hands on approach to healthcare that achieves the service standards expected by our patients, doctors and staff, and provides competitive value to our shareholders.
Vision
To be a centre of excellence in private healthcare and become the hospital of choice in KwaZulu-Natal.
