KWAZULU-Natal MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has congratulated the management and staff of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) following its brilliant showing when the country’s five central hospitals were assessed on their adherence to the National Core Standards for health recently.
The 846-bed referral hospital, under the leadership of Dr Sifiso Mtshali, achieved a compliance rating of 89%, and came second after the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria and the Groote Schuur Hospital, which achieved a rating of 96% and 88% respectively.
These outcomes were announced by Deputy Health Minister, Mr Joe Phaahla, during the presentation of the Health Budget Vote at the National Council of Provinces recently.
The purpose of National Core Standard (NCS) is to set the benchmark for quality care against which the delivery of health care services can be monitored.
The NCS are structured into seven domains, which are:
• Patient rights
• Safety, clinical governance and care,
• Clinical support services,
• Public health;
• Leadership and corporate governance;
• Operational management; and
• Facilities and infrastructure.
Dr Dhlomo said: “National Core Standards are a very useful tool in our quest to improve the level of care that is offered at our public health institutions. We are very proud of what the staff and management of Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital have achieved. The biggest winner is the public healthcare user. These accolades show once again that nothing beats hard work and dedication. I have no doubt that if they continue in this vein, it will not be long before they are number one in the country!!! Once again, congratulations to all involved.”