​The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is making good progress in implementing the recommendations of the Health Ombud’s report on Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH). 

In a recent response to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, the MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko gave an assurance that to date, nine recommendations have been finalised, while significant progress has been made in implementing an additional ten and that a Project Manager was appointment including steering committees established to fast-track the implementation of the various Health Ombud’s recommendations.

“The Department is committed to implementing the recommendations set out in the Health Ombud report to ensure that Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital operates at its highest standards and delivers quality healthcare services to the community it serves,” stated MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

As part of efforts to improve leadership and governance at the facility, Dr Arthur Manning has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of RMMCH effective from 01 April 2024. Dr Manning brings a wealth of experience needed to steady the ship and improve the service levels for the better. He has previously occupied senior managerial roles in both the public and private health sectors. 

To strengthen oversight, the GDoH has established an Oversight Committee to conduct quarterly oversight visit to hospitals. The Office of the MEC for Health and Wellness will also continue to monitor the Hospital Board as per the recommendations. The department has been consistently keeping stakeholders such as the Public Protector and the South African Human Rights Commission updated on the progress being made. 

Regarding the review of RMMCH staff establishment, the organogram of the hospital has been reviewed in accordance with the Department of Public Service and Administration directive. In addition, internal control measures have been introduced including the introduction of the required HR Plan to address capacity constraints and skill levels. 

The Department has prioritised the infrastructure refurbishment to improve the overall conditions at RMMCH and create a safe and conducive environment for patients and staff. Several maintenance projects have been completed, including diverting the sewerage line to open sewerage channels, waterproofing the hospital roofs to reduce leakages, repairing hot water leaks and servicing calorifiers and ensuring functional generators. 

Various wards and areas including the admissions area and paediatric OPD rooms have also undergone renovations and painting. The discharge lounge is also operational. The security system has been upgraded to ensure that additional cameras are installed, entrances and exits are lockable. 

Efforts have been taken to expand the maternity capacity of the facility, the GDoH is awaiting approval to reclassify Discoverers Community Health Centre (CHC) into a District Hospital to alleviate the pressure on RMMCH. The process of converting the Florida Clinic into a CHC to accommodate Discoverer's Primary Health Care services is underway. The Westbury and Lenasia Clinics are also in the process of being converted for additional space. 

Furthermore, the GDoH is also making progress in the implementation of the long-term recommendations highlighted in the report such as the process of gazetting of RMMCH as a Tertiary Hospital, availability of the 24-hour Laboratory and Blood Bank Services, and the establishment of an adult ICU at the facility. 

Additionally, funds have been allocated for the execution of the long-term renovations plans. The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development is currently working on the necessary designs for the project scheduled to commence in January 2025 with a twenty-four-month construction period. 

 Ends// 

Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health