It was a proud moment for the staff of Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria last week when the facility won an international award for stroke care.
Steve Biko was the first hospital, public or private, in the country to receive the international Angels Diamond Award by the World Stroke Organisation for excellence in acute stroke care.
The accolade recognised the hospital for introducing new techniques and support systems for their stroke patients. The Angels Initiative assists hospitals across the world to be “stroke-ready” so that patients who have just suffered from this medical condition can be treated as swiftly and effectively as possible.
“This achievement has been a milestone in our journey and is a reflection of the relentless work our doctors have been doing to provide the best care to our patients at an international standard. We are committed to improving outcomes of stroke by ensuring that every patient admitted into our facility gets access to stroke care that will optimise their survival and recovery,” said Steve Biko Hospital CEO Dr Mathabo Mathebula.
We convey our hearty congratulations to the doctors and healthcare workers at the facility for the international recognition of their hard work.
Public hospitals are often in the headlines for bad news like being in a poor state or overworked staff. It is a welcome break to be celebrating an accolade due to the hard work and commitment of doctors to provide the best care to the public.
Recently, two of Gauteng’s hospitals made the news for being in poor condition and failing to provide proper care to patients.
Rahima Moosa Hospital was reported to have a faulty machine for computerised tomography scans of the brain for about three months, as well as water cuts that contributed to the spread of infection, among other challenges.
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital was reported to have overcrowding, food shortages and equipment issues resulting in the cancellation of surgical procedures.
It is encouraging for one of the public facilities to be recognised internationally for best practice. We hope this will inspire other healthcare workers to continue giving their best despite any challenges they may face.
Once again, well done to workers at Steve Biko Academic Hospital.
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