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HST provides free electronic access to over 500 health systems research related reports, publications and papers. Close to 300 of these are publications that have been commissioned and funded by the Trust. Topics include among others district systems development, drug supply management, human resource development, informatics, legislation, finance, environmental health, mental health, lessons learnt, nutrition and sexually transmitted diseases / HIV/AIDS. The main publication of the HST is the annual South African Health Review. From 2005 all HST publications will be available in low resolution only. To explore the range of publications HST offers use the Advanced search to search using a variety of criteria.

A registry is an important component of the general office services in the district office.

The registry section is responsible for :

• the classification of records,
• the receipt and flow of documentation, and
• the control, custody, care and disposal of records.

Why is a registry necessary?

It is critical that all documents in the health district office are kept in an organised manner for future reference and retrieval. Registry work is therefore an essential component of a district office structure and calls for capable personnel, proper facilities and systematic procedures. The registry controls the formal communication channel between sections and people outside the district office and helps with the flow of information in the communication network.

A situational analysis was conducted in the Mount Frere district and gaps were found in the registry. A similar situation was identified during the situation analysis in the Tonga and Shongwe districts. These gaps have led to serious breakdowns in the communication system. It is therefore necessary to implement a well-functioning registry section for the health service in the district.