Question NW1888 to the Minister of Health
03 June 2022 - NW1888
Mabika, Mr M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What is the standard turnaround time for a patient to get assisted in a government hospital, with specific reference to the Manguzi Hospital (details furnished); (2) whether his department has a plan in place to improve the situation and assist patients in a more efficient way; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to the KwaZulu Natal Provinicial Department of Health, the response is as follows:
1. Please note that the waiting times on the table below is based on waiting time survey in 2021/2022 quarter four (04)
|
SERVICE POINT |
AVERAGE ACTUAL TURN AROUND TIME (as per quarter 4 21/22) |
|
Screening area |
48 Minutes |
|
OPD file registry |
37 minutes |
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING IN DELAYED WAITING TIME:-
- Head count: Manguzi District hospital see +/-458 clients per day
- Special clinic: mental health care user clinic and high risk clinic for maternity cases (every Wednesday), orthopaedic clinic, etc
- Incomplete record management system (patient registration using identity document) and limited record storage room.
- New normal (Covid-19 screening)
- Fast-tracking all emergency cases
- Border of Mozambique and Swaziland which increases influx of unplanned/ unreferred patients visits.
(2) The following table reflects the details in this regard.
|
Challenges |
Plan to improve |
|
Non referred cases |
The hospital management has identified designated area to see non referred cases so as to reduce overcrowding in OPD which will also improve OPD waiting time. |
|
Special clinics |
Strengthening of booking system to clients referred from different clinics. |
|
Limited record storage room |
Extra record storage area in a form of a container – The procurement process is in the advertisement stage. |
|
Incomplete record management system |
- Continuously educating the community about new system (use of identity document for registration) - noting unplanned/Unreferred visit of patients from Mozambique. |
|
COVID -19 screening in waiting area |
- Integration of services and educating community about the new normal. - ensuring community compliance in covid-19 precautionary measures |
|
Improved communication with the public |
Strengthen education to the clients on existing national guidelines for complaints, compliments and suggestion procedure. |
END.