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may • 2014

Fighting Disease, Fighting Poverty, Giving HopeFighting Disease, Fighting Poverty, Giving Hope

Healthcare progress update Health Survey Smoking kills ...and a pull-out comic!

Saluting our nurSeS!

Fighting Disease, Fighting Poverty, Giving Hope

Message from... KZN Health HOD,

Dr Sibongile Zungu

God Bless!

As we mark International Nurses

Day, I would like to begin by

commending all our nurses for

their continued commitment

to providing health care despite ongoing

challenges. Nurses are the backbone of our

health system and their contribution to our

health service goes beyond the call of duty.

Their profession is a calling and their care

often determines the attitude of patients

towards their own recovery.

Thank you to all the nurses in our

province, your steadfast dedication is

appreciated and recognised not just on

Nurses Day but every day!

as a Province entrusted with the huge

responsibility of piloting three NHI sites, we

are seen as a case study for the country as a

whole. It therefore comes as good news to

hear that over 85% of patients that used our

pilot health facilities said they were satisfied

with the level of service received, based on a

SA National Health and Nutrition Survey.

whaT does This Tell us? It indicates that

our pilot sites are working effectively and we

are on the right track in developing our future

health system based on Primary Health Care.

Good PercePTions about our services

have a positive impact on health outcomes

as people start coming forward to seek

healthcare early when they are ill because

they trust the healthcare system.

we Thank all our health professionals who

continue making our facilities better. The

results of the survey is proof that hard work,

dedication and commitment to upholding

the professional code of conduct in health

care brings in rewards not just for the patient

but for the health carer too.

as we move towards monitoring the

implementation of our national core

standards, I wish to remind all our facilities of

these and call on them to ensure compliance

in these areas. Only then can we effectively

turn around all our facilities and promote

patient satisfaction. Every facility must ensure

compliance in the following areas according

to the core requirements:

Cleanliness

Shortened waiting times to access

service availability of drugs and essential

medicines

Infection control measures

Safety Caring staff attitude the services required

These are noT unattainable and despite

all our frustrations, challenges and resource

constraints, the core standards can be

implemented.

our drive to deliver a health system

all South Africans can be proud of is

unstoppable. But it requires all our efforts

– health workers to patients, we are all

responsible.

Is your child under 5 years of age?

DON’T DELAY, DO WHAT’S BEST FOR YOUR CHILD

GET THEM IMMUNISED AGAINST POLIO AND MEASLES

Ask your local clinic about an immunisation venue close to you!

29 April – 17 May 2014

REMEMbER!

Your child still needs

the polio/measles

vaccine even if they have

already been vaccinated.

It gives your child

extra protection!

Vaccinations...... are safe and effective... can save your child’s life... give your child

protection against deadly childhood diseases

... are free at all public health facilities

insidem

ay 2

014

referral SyStem Why your input is important

HealtH progreSS report How KZN Health has measured up in the past 5 years

may iS anti-Smoking montH How smoking kills

kzn HealtH newS Latest news from the Department of Health

ComiC The dangers of paraffin and what to do in case of fire

may Calendar Health awareness days for this month

keyHole Nongoma nurse wins R2,000 voucher for outstanding work

With thanks to the following contributors:KZN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: COMMUNICATIONS UNIT

ZOHRA MOHAMED TEKE (EDITOR)

COLIWE ZULU (WRITER)

DERICK MATSENGARWODZI (WRITER)

THEMBA MNGOMEZULU (DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPHER)

SARA AULD (GRAPHIC DESIGNER)

DR GUGU MAZIBUKO (TRANSLATOR)

Images featured in EzEmpilo are for representation purposes only, are not intended to portray actual people and do not necessarily represent the content of articles.

heAlth progress reportheAlth surveY

Your suggestions and comments are welcome, and if you have been impressed by a health worker who provided an outstanding service, let us know and we will feature them! Contact us on 031 562 9803, editor@ezempilohealthmatters.co.za or write to us on PO Box 25439, Gateway 4321. coPyriGhT & adverTisinGAll content published in this magazine remains the copyright of Ezempilo…Health Matters and may be freely reproduced and distributed for educational purposes only, with permission.

stop sMokIng AwAreness

“I would like to request that people give their honest opinion because this is an opportunity to improve access to healthcare and to ensure that the people of KZN have

better health.” – Dr SIBONGIlE ZuNGu

TELL US WHAT YOU WANT FROM OUR

REFERRAL SYSTEMNurses are experienced in primary health care and can provide you with valuable advice and treatment options so that you don’t need to travel to the hospital if it’s not necessary. unfortunately many patients still believe that when they are sick they must go immediately to a hospital – not realising that a clinic can help and then make the right referral to the correct facility if further intervention is needed. This process is known as the ‘referral system’.

To assist patients in understanding how this works and how to make the most of our public health care, the Department of Health in KZN will be carrying out a survey starting this month. “Our team of researchers will interview patients, nurses, doctors, facility management personnel, community health workers and community leaders to assess their current level of understanding of how the system works. We will then use these responses to shape our new policy framework on the Patient referral System and map out a strategy to enhance the public’s understanding of how the system works. This will improve our healthcare service at the same time,” says KZN Health Head of Department, Dr Sibongile Zungu.

The end resultOnce finalised, the Patient referral System policy framework will set out process procedures including:

Which district institution (hospital or clinic) a particular regional institution should refer a patient to as and when necessary;

Who is responsible for transporting and booking a bed for the patient.

No form neededresearchers will not ask you to fill out a form for the survey, but will simply ask you a set of questions which will not be personal or violate your rights to privacy. When answering the survey, remember:

You will be asked for permission to participate in the interview.

You have a right to refuse to participate

You will be interviewed in the language of preference.

Fighting Disease, Fighting Poverty, Giving Hope

Do you know that going to a clinic is often the best place to start when you need heath care?

Will all facilities participate?The survey will be conducted in the following facilities:

eTHeKWiNi:Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central HospitalKing Edward VIII HospitalPrince Mshiyeni HospitalKing George V (King Dinizulu)RK Khan HospitalAddington HospitalSt Aidans HospitalMahatma Ghandi HospitalSt Marys’ Hospital (Marianhill)Hillcrest HospitalKwadabeka CHCKwaMashU CHCOsindisweni Hospital

UTHUNgUlU DiSTricT: Eshowe HospitalNkandla HospitalCatherine Booth HospitalMbongolwane HospitalEkhombe HospitalKwaMagwaza HospitalLower Umfolozi War Memorial HospitalNgwelezane Hospital

Harry gWala DiSTricT: East Griqualand and Usher Memorial HospitalChrist the King HospitalRietvlei HospitalSt Apollinaris Hospital

Take part in our survey from May 19

until December 2014

Fighting Disease, Fighting Poverty, Giving Hope

KZN Health MEC, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo stepped into his position in 2009. Since then, together with his Head of Department, Dr Sibongile Zungu, health workers and all those working with the Department, they have been striving to make a difference to health care in KZN, despite the challenges. The following is a brief summary of some of the achievements of the Department of Health in KZN:

infrastructure and equipment investment“Our turnaround strategy enabled us to secure an amount of r385 million and r310 million additional funding from Treasury in 2012/13 and 2013/2014,” says Dr Zungu. This has allowed the Department to refurbish or invest in new infrastructure and equipment including:

Fighting Disease Achieving 90% immunisation

coverage – that’s 1 675 094 children under five years of age!

Reducing cases of malaria Decrease in the prevalence of HIV in

the 15-24 year age group from 31% in 2009 to 25.5% in 2011

Decrease in HIV prevalence amongst pregnant women from 39.5% in 2011 to 37.4% in 2011

Decrease in mother-to-child transmission from 19% in 2007 to 2.1% in 2012

Steady increase in the cure rate for tuberculosis (TB) – the third highest cure rate after the Western Cape and Gauteng

Increase in the number of patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy from just over 225,000 people in 2008 to more than 726,000 today!

“Our turnaround strategy enabled us to secure an amount of R385 million and R310 million additional

funding from Treasury in 2012/13 and 2013/2014.” – Dr SIBONGIlE ZuNGu

Health and WellnessThe Department is currently driving a strong focus on preventative care – that is, promoting healthy lifestyle choices to prevent chronic diseases of lifestyle. To achieve this, the Department has:

110 Family Health Teams offering education on treatment compliance, health screenings and ante-natal and post-natal care and exercise groups

176 School Health Teams assessing learners in target groups to identify barriers to learning in children and offering health education to learners and parents

Six Mobile health vehicles delivering eye, oral and dental care

HIV Counselling and Testing Programme – to date, 7 857 586 people have received counselling; 6 832 992 have been tested for HIV and 5 786 365 screened for TB

84 million male condoms and 1 337 485 million female condoms distributed in 2012

Community-based Home Care to educate, help with treatment and trace TB and HIV treatment defaulters

361 308 Medical Male Circumcisions (recommended to curb the spread of HIV) successfully performed from 2010-2013

38 New state-of-the-art GeneXpert machines which will improve TB diagnosis, especially in HIV+ patients – 35 more such machines are on their way which will ensure full provincial coverage in the province

38 Specialised Obstetric Ambulances dedicated to the transport of pregnant women – a first for the country!

R62.8 million allocated to new radiological equipment

New laundry equipment in 42 hospitals

310 new ambulances with 38 dedicated inter-facility transfer ambulances

26 New Planned Patient Transfer buses

The Provincial Health Operation Centre – the first such centre countrywide which will be used for communication, information, patient support and disaster management

New Communicable Diseases Clinic, Accident and Emergency Unit and Outpatient Department at Edendale Hospital valued at R136.5 million

Upgrades to King Dinuzulu (formerly King George V) Hospital, including a 400-bed level 1 hospital, 130-bed psychiatric closed unit and new TB complex

R347.8 million upgrade to Lower Umfolozi War Memorial Hospital, dedicated to mother and child services

New R12.6 million therapy department and outpatient psychiatric clinic at Ngewelezane Hospital

Construction of a new hospital, Pixley ka Isaka Seme Hospital, to commence this financial year.

R228 million upgrade to the KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Hospital to start shortly

health progress report to the people of kzn

Fighting Disease, Fighting Poverty, Giving Hope

it’s never too lateto quit

BE COOL, DON’T BE A SMOKING FOOL!

For David, puffing a cigarette stolen from his father’s pockets on his way to school was normal. He watched his father enjoying his smokes, then his older brother. Then he was also hooked. Today, at 40 years old, he looks sixty and can hardly breathe. He admits that it is an expensive habit, especially as he is unemployed. As he recalls his life, he rolls some tobacco in an old newspaper. His voice is gruff and he coughs all the time. His teeth and skin colour are yellowish grey as he looks down and admits he regrets not giving up smoking earlier.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’re smoking, give it up before your body gives up on you!

WHy qUiT NOW?80% of lung cancer deaths in South africa are a result of smoking. That’s enough to encourage you to quit now if you are a smoker. It takes courage and determination to give up smoking, but the choice is between life and death. Smoking kills, that’s the bottom line. You may experience withdrawal symptoms, and some shakiness when you first give up smoking, but don’t give in, this will only last a few days and is also a sign that your body is healing itself! We all know the effects of giving up smoking in the long term, but did you know that your body starts to benefit even immediately?

Within hours... Within months... Long term...

Your circulation will improve in your hands and feet, making them feel warmer

Your body will begin to fight colds and coughs more easily

You’ll be able to taste your food better, as the smell and taste of tobacco will no longer be there

You will start to enjoy eating healthy snacks, so eat fruit when you crave a cigarette or want to reach for your snuff!

The risk of heart attack or stroke starts decreasing

You will be able to walk more easily, no more finding it difficult to breathe!

You’ll SAVE money and will be surprised at how much you wasted on cigarettes and snuff in the past!

Your risk of getting lung cancer is reduced by half within five years

Your heart becomes healthier, reducing the risk of heart attack

You will feel better, look better and have a healthier body!

Still not convinced? Keep reading… Tobacco kills up to half of its users. Six million smokers die each year. Smoking and exposure to second-

hand smoke (breathing in another person’s smoke) during pregnancy are both linked to miscarriage, low birth weight and stillbirths.

Babies who breathe in second-hand smoke have a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (cot death).

Children exposed to second-hand smoke have a higher risk of colds,

asthma, allergies and middle ear infections (‘glue ear’) which is the common cause of deafness in children.

‘low tar’, ‘mild’ and ‘light’ cigarettes are misleading terms as they are still harmful to health.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), a battery operated, cigarette-shaped smoking device, have not been proven to be a healthy alternative to cigarette smoking.

May is anti-Tobacco campaign Month

Fighting Disease, Fighting Poverty, Giving Hope

don’t forget

Health Service steps up for welbedatch community

nutrition advisors get to work saving children

The welbedaTch communiTy in Durban couldn’t hide their excitement last month, when the Department of Health in KZN de-livered health care services on their door-

steps. A new state of the art mobile clinic and a mobile hospital were unveiled by MEC Dhlomo who said two mobile clinics (one from eThekwini Municipality the other

Fighting Disease, Fighting Poverty, Giving Hope

immunisinG your child is safe, free and ef-fective protection against childhood diseases like measles so don’t forget to take your child to receive their measles immunisations at your nearest health facility.

The Department of Health in KZN calls on all mothers to ensure they take their child’s health card with them to ensure their immuni-sation schedules are all recorded up to date. Measles is one of the most contagious dis-eases and a leading cause of death of children in the African region so don’t delay in getting your child under five years of age immunised - until May 17 for both polio and measles (first round).

kZn healTh has dePloyed more than 563 Nutrition Advisors across the province to reduce child death rates from malnutrition.

The most recent group of 167 graduated last month and have al-ready begun working at Primary Health Care clinics in mainly rural areas. “Through home visits and observations of a child’s health at clinic level, the nutritional advisors will prioritise families and chil-dren who require immediate nutritional intervention and will assist in accelerating this. Early detection means we can save more lives and also address issues of poverty in the province,” says KZN Health head of department, Dr Sibongile Zungu.

The Department of Health in KZN launched the Nutrition Advisor Programmes in three years ago and begun by recruiting Community Care Givers and Youth Ambassadors to be trained by uKZN Extend-ed learning as nutrition advisors.

The role of the advisors is important as malnourishment in children under five is a major cause of their death and the Department aims to reduce this figure through closer monitoring of a child’s health.

immunisation against measles until may 17

provincial Health Department) would run weekly services to the areas of Welbedatch East and West settlements to ensure access to health services reaches every resident. “As a progressive Government we recognise that the population in these wards is 100% uninsured and that the Primary Health Care fixed clinics are too far for the community to access Services,” said Dr Dhlomo.

The services offered by the mobile facili-ties include:

Immunisations

Treatment of minor ailments

Sexual and reproductive Health Services age and grade appropriate. These will focus on provision of dual protection and the provision of HIV counselling and Testing

Environmental assessment including the provision of first aid kits, adequate water and sanitation, physical safety and issues related to food safety.

Fighting Disease, Fighting Poverty, Giving Hope

BABYCORNER

Breastfeeding your newborn is the best start a mother can give a baby. Sometimes though, this means moms have to go through some pain and discomfort along the way, as breastfeeding can sometimes lead to mastitis which is when the breast becomes infected during breastfeeding. Learn more about this condition with our helpful guide below so that you and baby get the best out of breastfeeding.

What causes mastitis?Mastitis is often caused by the milk getting blocked in the ducts of the nipple during feeding. It’s a condition some new moms experience during the first three months of breastfeeding and can make the breasts painful during feeding. It’s important to treat the infection urgently to prevent an abscess from forming, so if your breasts feel a little hard during breastfeeding, you first course of action is to:

1 Continue breastfeeding and start the feed from the breast that has the tenderness – there is no danger for baby as any bacteria in the milk is destroyed by the baby’s digestion.

2 Try to position baby’s chin over the area of redness. This will help drain the blocked duct.

3 Massage gently towards the nipple while you are feeding.

4 Express any milk that’s still remaining from your breasts after baby has had a full feed (ask your health worker to show you how to express milk).

• A hard lump or tenderness in the breast followed by the infected breast turning red and hot to touch

• Fever

• Tiredness and weakness• Muscle aches and pains• Flu like symptoms• Tearfulness.

• Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. If you do take antibiotics you need to be aware of the possibility of thrush developing on your nipples. This displays the symptoms similar to needles piercing your nipple especially during and after breastfeeding. Contact your clinic if this happens.

• Use of painkillers is recommended. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are suggested treatments.

• Heat your breast by placing a hot cloth over it before feeding. Start by feeding your baby from the infected side and try to position baby’s chin over the affected area.

• Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to cool down your infected breast after breastfeeding.

• Fully drain your breasts after each feed.

• Drink plenty of fluids (no alcohol) and REST, REST, REST!

If after trying the above you develop the following symptoms, visit your clinic immediately as you will need medical treatment to treat the infection:

The most likely treatment for mastitis will include:

® registered trademark/*trademark of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. © 2011 KCWW

Keep your babies skin as soft and dry as mother nature intended.

Trust Huggies mom, to keep baby comfy,

happy and dry.

the secure lockdry system of huggies Dry Comfort delivers up to 9 hours

dryness while the cottony cover allows baby’s skin to breathe, giving mom a

little breathing room too.

may

Fighting Disease, Fighting Poverty, Giving Hope

10may

may 4 -11 Hospice weekThis week is dedicated to organisations that reduce the discomfort of patients

with life threatening diseases. It is also a reminder to those caring for these

patients that often they simply need the reassurance that someone cares.  

may 6 -12Burns

awareness week

South Africa spends around R208 million every year

treating burn injuries involving paraffin stoves. Keep the tips and comic in this issue and share it with others to increase

awareness on how to avoid fire accidents.

international day of action for

women’s Health When you teach a woman, you

teach a nation. That’s because

women are at the heart of the

home. But often women put

their health last in the family

because they are too busy taking

care of everyone else. MEC

Dhlomo has placed women and

children as the top priority for

health services. Encourage all

men at home to do the same!

may 27 - june 2

Child protection week Too many children are being abused in our

communities today. and too many people are

remaining silent. make a difference and speak out.

Teach children to report the abuse without fear.

children need our protection from abusers.

it’s in our hands…

international multiple Sclerosis month

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease affecting the brain and spine

causing problems with muscle movement, balance and

vision. The cause is unknown but an afflicted person can

still live a fulfilling life with treatment. Contact the MSSA

National Helpline on 0860 45 6772 if you need help or to

find out more about the disease.

world red Cross day The red Cross organisation assists with caring for

people during times of wars and natural disasters.

This day is used to show appreciation for their work in

saving lives around the world.

may 8

world move for Health day Our health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo is

a keen runner and exercises daily. As we celebrate World

Move for Health day, it’s important to remember that lifestyle

diseases among South Africans are increasing as a result of

unhealthy habits. use this day to make a change to your diet.

A healthy body helps keep a healthy mind and it begins by

following some simple rules. Try the following:

Eat less salt

Avoid junk food

Reduce or avoid

alcohol

Exercise regularly

Quit smoking

12may

28may

international nurses day

a Force for change – a vital resource for health

Each year International Nurses Day is celebrated around the

world on this day to recognise and pay tribute to the nursing

profession. This year’s theme is especially important as it also

marks the 20 years of democracy for our country and the role

played by nurses as forces of change during difficult times.

Thank you to our dedicated nurses who soldier on

to make a difference to those in their care.

12may world Chronic

fatigue and immune dysfunction Syndrome

Chronic fatigue is a serious condition that leads to pain in the muscles

and bones, headaches and exhaustion. buT iT can be TreaTed!

Consult your health worker if you have any of these signs.

17may world Hypertension day

healthy heartbeat – healthy blood pressure

Almost 6.1 million South Africans suffer from high blood

pressure and that means more people are at risk of a heart attack. High

blood pressure also increases the chances of a stroke, heart failure,

kidney disease and early death. Those over 50 should go for regular

blood pressure checks too at the local clinic. Ask your health worker to

advise you on how you can monitor your blood pressure at home too.

Candlelight memorial dayremember those who lost their

lives through hiv and aids? This day is in their

honour. do something for those who still battle

with the disease. be a friend, be a supporter.

help break the stigma and show them you care.

19may

iT’S

aNTi

-TOb

accO MONTH

QUIT SMOkING ONcE AND fOR ALL!

It’s easy to give up when faced with the challenges of life, never mind other people’s problems. And, especially where poverty and hardship is a reality, most people simply accept their fate. But not Sister Nhlengethwa. And thanks to her, not the youth in her community around Nongoma.

Every week since 2008, the 39 year old single mother of two children runs programmes and open debates

for the youth on important health issues. She does this as a volunteer to try and make a difference to young lives, and it’s working. “When I started at the clinic in 2007, I did some research and found that young people in our community did not have much to keep them busy. I started workshops to help them control their future, so they don’t throw away their lives. Since starting the programmes, we’ve noticed a big difference. We have fewer teenage pregnancies and the rate of STI’s and HIV has also reduced. Our youth are getting the message, and in fact they really enjoy the debates and discussions we have whilst learning,” she explained excitedly.

Support of community Sister Nhlengethwa’s commitment to changing lives in her community has inspired everyone in the area to have hope and overcome their challenges. It’s also received the strong support of parents and the local Chief. There are 70 young boys and

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Sister Nombuso Nhlengethwa

Hlengimpilo clinic

The driving force which keeps youth on the right

path!

girls participating in the youth programmes, which include weekend activities and even an annual beauty contest!

Drop in teenage pregnancyWith teenage pregnancy a major concern for parents, the programme has brought positive results, not just to the local area but surrounding communities as well. Many young people bring their friends along to the activities because

it’s fun and interactive. And for sister Nhlengethwa, it’s a priceless reward which continues to inspire her to do all she can to make a difference.

As we celebrate International Nurses Day, the Department of Health in KZN would like to thank Sister Nhlengethwa for her dedication and commitment in addressing social issues beyond the call of duty. Your contribution to uplifting the youth is an inspiration to all!

AND HERE’S MORE!

Contact them for all your shopping needs in the area on 035 831 3138

sister nhlengethwa wins a r2,000 grocery voucher, courtesy of superspar nongoma!

R2000Sister Nombuso Nhlengethwafor outstanding service to the youth of Nongoma

GROCERY VOUCHER