Wednesday, 27 November 2019
GAUTENG ACADEMIC HOSPITALS PUT MEASURES IN PLACE TO ADDRESS THEATRE CANCELLATIONS
Gauteng Department of Health’s two major central hospitals, Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital (CMAH) and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) continue to see a large number of patients who present with different illnesses.
In 2018 Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital admitted 43 529 patients, whilst Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital admitted 104 495 patients. Due to various reasons, such as a high number of acute and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, patient related issues, infrastructure and equipment related issues; both hospitals had to cancelled or deferred planned theatre procedures.
For 2018 the CMAH cancelled 2036 whereas the CHBAH deferred 1979 procedures. These procedures are then rescheduled at the earliest suitable time taking into consideration factors that led to deferment.
It should be noted that facilities have put systems in place to improve patient outcomes including active participation of patients in scheduling of operations by introducing electronic communication system for booking, reminder and cancellation.