The Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) is taking steps to enhance patient safety and reduce serious adverse events (SAEs) across its health facilities. Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo- Ralehoko when recently responding to legislature questions outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering a safer healthcare environment for all patients.
To effectively address SAES, the GDOH continues to implement the following key measures:
• Mandatory adherence to patient safety guidelines to ensure that all serious adverse cases are reported within 24 hours, promptly investigated and discussed during facility patient safety incident committee meetings or subjected to clinical review depending on severity.
• The Department has provided specialised training to all Quality Assurance officials and Clinical Managers to improve their skills in the prevention, reporting, and management of SAES. This initiative is part of the Department’s commitment to continuous professional development.
In line with the Ideal Hospital Framework, healthcare facilities have adopted a proactive approach by conducting routine self-assessments through walkabouts led by facility management to identify potential risks and areas for improvement.
• Clinical Governance Structures have been re-established such as the mortality and morbidity committees for all disciplines to create a platform for learning and support, informing decisions that enhance clinical care across the board.
To ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation, ongoing tracking of SAES is facilitated through the National database system, alongside continuing evaluations of the quality improvement implementation plan.
In addition, the Department has also launched awareness campaigns targeting hospital and District Health Services staff, promoting vigilance in identifying clinical risks and ensuring prompt reporting and decision- making. This is part of the educational initiative including workshops on SAEs to capacitate both staff and nursing students.
In 2023, GDOH facilities recorded a total of 7,117 SAES, with 2,273 incidents documented from January 2024 to date.
These incidents are categorised into various types including clinical administration, healthcare- associated infections, medication or intravenous fluids and patient accidents to mention a few. Although the stats represent a more stable environment the department continues to work towards the reduction of patient safety incidents.
