The Gauteng Department of Health has announced a new plan to prevent unwanted outcomes at state healthcare facilities. This comes in response to alarming department figures revealing that 9,390 serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded across hospitals and clinics in 2023 alone. Health and wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has faced growing pressure to improve patient care standards after the department was scrutinised for its handling of SAEs. SAEs refer to abnormal outcomes resulting from medical procedures or the administration of pharmaceuticals. These events include severe outcomes such as birth defects, disabilities, prolonged hospital stays, and death.
The Five-Point Plan to Address SAEs
In response to the crisis, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko unveiled a five-point plan designed to improve patient care and staff accountability:
- Rapid Reporting of SAEs: All SAEs must be reported within 24 hours of occurrence, followed by a comprehensive investigation.
- Specialised Training: Officials and managers will receive specialised training to enhance the prevention, reporting, and handling of SAEs.
- Facility Self-Assessments: Each facility’s management will conduct self-assessments to identify risks and areas that require improvement.
- Governance Structures: Establishment of specialist governance structures focusing on learning, support, and decision-making within healthcare facilities.
- Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing evaluation of a quality improvement implementation plan to ensure effectiveness.
The MEC stressed the importance of improving patient safety and taking accountability, stating that the health department is dedicated to implementing the recommendations from investigations to improve safety protocols across our facilities. As part of its commitment to quality improvement, disciplinary action has been taken against 29 officials from 10 health facilities. Despite the MEC’s outlined measures, DA Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom remains concerned about the systemic issues within the healthcare system. Bloom pointed out that the number of SAEs has steadily risen in recent years, with figures reported as 4,170 in 2019, 4,701 in 2020, and 6,910 in 2021. He described the trend as “ominous,” highlighting the 452 SAEs reported at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital. While welcoming the new plan, Bloom questioned why the department had not taken more comprehensive actions sooner. He also raised concerns about the lack of disciplinary actions across all 37 facilities under the department’s jurisdiction, stating that only 10 facilities reported action against professionals involved in SAEs.
Accountability and Quality of Leadership
Bloom’s criticisms emphasise a perceived lack of consequence management and question leadership quality in the Gauteng health system. He argues that stronger leadership and governance are crucial to reversing the rising trend in SAEs and restoring public confidence in state healthcare facilities. The success of the MEC’s five-point plan will be closely monitored. Stakeholders hope it will lead to improved safety and care at Gauteng’s public hospitals and clinics. With a renewed focus on staff training, systemic improvements, and accountability, the department aims to reduce the number of serious adverse events and enhance patient safety across the province.