Clinic

An Economic Evaluation of the Impact of Widespread Antiretroviral Treatment on Secondary Hospitals in South Africa: Case Study of the GF Jooste Hospital Antiretroviral Referral Unit

Published by: 
Health Systems Trust

This research presents a partial economic evaluation of the current and anticipated impact of widespread antiretroviral treatment on the secondary hospital system in South Africa. The evaluation encompasses the treatment and care of HIV-positive inpatients and outpatients on or preparing for highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at the secondary level. This study was conducted based on analysis of the Antiretroviral Referral Unit at GF Jooste Hospital during March 2005, and utilises a combination of current and retrospective data sets.

The Status of Clinic Committees in Primary Level Public Health Sector Facilities in South Africa

Published by: 
Health Systems Trust
Community participation is widely accepted as a desirable feature of any health system and is considered to be an important aspect of developing and fostering effective governance at various levels of the health system. Good governance is a fundamental tenet of South African health care and the National Health Act No. 61 of 2003, makes provision for formally constituted, broad based governance structures which include community representation at various levels of healthcare delivery. Effective governance of the health system is critical to ensure both access to quality health services and the accountability of the health services to communities.

South Africa: Solving treatment bottlenecks

The monthly Improvement Meeting at Qumbu Health Centre, 50km from the Eastern Cape province town of Mthatha, is supposed to start at 9am, but rarely starts before 10am. Many of the nurses attending work at remote rural clinics scattered across Mhlontlo District and have to travel along rudimentary roads using the mini-bus taxis system to reach the meeting, so no-one complains about late arrivals. Once seated, they begin calling out figures to Kholeka Mhlakaza, the HIV/AIDS treatment programme manager for Mhlontlo, who writes them on a whiteboard.

Health Care Waste Management in Public Clinics in the Ilembe District: A Situational Analysis and Intervention Strategy

Published by: 
Health Systems Trust

All waste generated at health care facilities in the past was regarded as hazardous and was incinerated before disposal. Today however, waste generated at health facilities is separated out and disposed of according to the risks it poses.

The purpose of this study was to investigate health care waste (HCW) management practices used in public health clinics in the iLembe Health District, with a view to developing a HCW management intervention strategy.

Doctors' Visits to Clinics

This article is an opinion piece discussing issues pertaining to the doctors' visits to primary health care clinics. Although the article was written a few years ago, the challenges it discusses are still with us. The article offers suggestions on what the doctor ought to do during his/her visit. In addition the article can be used to facilitate discussions on improving the doctor's clinic visit. It makes a good reading for the new doctors who are inspired to do well during their clinic visits and it would most likely stimulate discussions among the experienced doctors and nurses. We hope you will find the article valuable and that it can contribute to improving your clinic.

Mobile clinics offer HIV testing to truckers

When a long distance truck driver stops at the Crosscape Express truck depot in Pinetown, Kwa-Zulu Natal, this week, he will have the option of getting tested for HIV and Aids - and could even receive counselling.