The development of healthcare professionals in the West Rand District Health Services to improve the provision of quality healthcare received a major boost when Premier Panyaza Lesufi accompanied by MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko opened the district’s first regional training centre on Friday, 12 July 2024.
Located at the Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital, the newly established West Rand District Health Services Training Centre will serve as a hub for training nurses, clinicians, and support staff, equipping them with the necessary skills to enhance service delivery and manage health facilities more effectively, ensuring that healthcare services are accessible, efficient, and of high quality.
This facility will also contribute towards community empowerment by increasing health literacy and education and promote sustainable health practices.
In the past, the West Rand District Health services had to outsource venues for training, and this had a negative impact on the amount of training the district was able to undertake. This affected the quality of healthcare provided to the community.
When opening the facility, Premier Lesufi highlighted government’s commitment in enhancing healthcare services through strategic partnerships and innovation. He stressed the importance of the centre in supporting new ideas and embracing technology.
“It is about time we modernise our health institutions; this training centre needs to be fully utilized to produce well trained health professionals that will compete in the highest level. Workers trained in here need to provide quality healthcare from the knowledge received to make the community prefer public health services,” said Lesufi.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko stressed the significance of continuous capacitation of healthcare workers. “This centre will serve as a beacon of continuous professional development, where our staff can regularly enhance their skills and stay well-informed of the latest advancements in healthcare technology and practices.”
She further pointed out that staff currently on programmes like the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and community service will also benefit from this intervention leading to improved service delivery.
SOURCED FROM THE GPG WEBSITE.
