Staff Writer​
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is investing in the wellness of its employees to improve a number of outcomes including staff morale which will in turn improve patient experience of care. 
This week alone (22 & 24 May), MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko unveiled two Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Wellness Centres at Kopanong Provincial Hospital in Vereeniging and Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni. 
These centres are resourced to offer comprehensive wellness programmes, while tackling significant health challenges amongst employees. They are also staffed with professionals trained to enhance the health and safety employees. 
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said that the OHS and Wellness centres will ensure initiatives that provide a foundation for a healthier workforce across health facilities. 
"This expansion is part of our commitment to meet and exceed the OHS compliance standards, currently at 70%, by integrating and enhancing services throughout our healthcare system.
"The investment in human resources and infrastructure underscores our dedication to professionalising public service in health and safety management. It is part of our broader initiative to adhere to both national and international standards, including ISO certifications for OHS, Quality, and Environmental Management," said the MEC. 
The Kopanong and Thelle Mogoerane hospitals' OHS and Wellness Centres follow the recent opening of the Edenvale Hospital Wellness and OHS centre which is also equipped with a gym for staff. 
 In addition, the MEC said that the GDoH has invested more than R39 million in employing OHS practitioners and specialists across 31 wellness centres in the province. 
"This investment not only boosts our healthcare capabilities but also creates job opportunities and enhances the local economies of the communities these canters serve," said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.