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by Seton Thompson
05 March 2010
The administration of G.J.Crookes Hospital, Scottburgh, appealed to the Umdoni Council meeting, last week, for help in making the primary healthcare system function as planned. Matron Sheshe explained that the system had been designed some years ago to commence at and focus upon primary clinics as the first stage of diagnosis and treatment and as a filter, which would refer cases beyond the clinics´ scope, to hospitals. The matron reported that this procedure had largely fallen down, with patients proceeding directly to the hospital, overwhelming its resources and ability to cope. She also appealed to the community not to bring in patients to the hospital at night as there was limited staff, particularly doctors, on duty then.
Various councillors gave their views on the problems faced by the communities, with a disturbing consensus that lack of confidence in the quality of service at many clinics, based on experience, is a key issue leading to patients preferring to visit the hospitals.
Councillor Myende outlined the problems faced by rural communities in dealing with the clinics and in following the favoured procedure. She cited lack of transport in the rural areas and inadequate ambulance services as compelling patients, sometimes critically ill, to walk long
distances to the clinic or the hospital. Lack of ID documents preclude very young patients from receiving ARV´s and the absence of a clinic in Malangeni, are other factors, said Myende.
Cllr Cele agreed, pointing to there being no clinic in Amahlongwa, meaning that it is shorter to visit Scottburgh. Cllr Sykes Naidoo said that the fact that even where clinics are closer, the majority of people are not using them seems to point to probable dissatisfaction.
Matron Sheshe acknowledged that the quality of treatment could be the key problem and that clinical competence needs ongoing training. “We need to address these issues” she said. |
