Update - Platinum Health

Updatei s s u e 3 2 0 1 9

PLATINUM HEALTH: Tel: 087 463 0660 | www.platinumhealth.co.zaCASE MANAGEMENT AND CLIENT LIAISON: Tel: 014 590 1700 or 080 000 6942 | Fax: 086 591 4598

Email: [email protected] | After-hours emergencies: 082 800 8727

Meet our Board

of Trustees04 Platinum Health m

aintains

healthy solvency ratio

06

update 3 2019_Layout 1 2019/07/19 9:32 AM Page 1

iN THiS iSSUE 2 Calendar of events

3 Message from the PrincipalOfficer’s Desk

4 Meet our Board of Trustees6 Platinum Health maintains

healthy Solvency Ratio6 Tax certificates7 20th Annual General Meeting

Feedback8 Make a difference in somebody’s

life by donating blood9 Mental Health Awareness10 Anaphylactic Shock - Know

what to do12 Benefits of treatment with HIV

medicine

J U LY 2 0 1 9Mental Illness Awareness Month28 World Hepatitis Day A U G U S T 2 0 1 9

Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation andLeukaemia Awareness Month (15August – 15 October)National Women’s MonthOrgan Donor MonthChild Health Month

1-7 World Breastfeeding Week

1-7 CANSA Care Week

4-10 Polio Awareness Week

5-11 Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic

Heart Disease Awareness Week

9 National Women’s Day

2

CALENDAR OF EVENTS


3

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL OFFICER’S DESK

I have heard this question many times and itis always a privilege and with a sense ofpride to respond as follows: Platinum Health(PH) is different from other medical schemesbecause it takes the extra mile to deliverquality service and excellent benefits ataffordable contributions.

PH delivers quality service by offering a onestop solution to members. The main reasonwhy PH can offer this, is because it operatesa Staff Model Health MaintenanceOrganisation (HMO) which means thatwhere economically viable it appoints itsown healthcare service providers in itsmedical facilities, and it is a self-administered medical scheme. In instanceswhere it’s not economically viable to appointits own healthcare service providers, PHmakes sure that members still receiveaffordable healthcare by contracting withhospitals and other related DesignatedService Providers.

Members visiting scheme medical facilities,are assisted by the receptionists withbooking and getting authorisation forhospital admissions, bookings and gettingauthorisation for specialist appointments orspecialised radiology such as MRI, CT andPET scans. If members need to register onone of scheme’s managed care programmes

such as Oncology, Maternity or Diabetes,they are assisted with the registrationprocess. At the same time, all PH medicalfacilities are placed at easy to reachlocations across the Platinum and Chromemining belt.

Normally, if medical scheme members needassistance from their medical scheme theycontact the Scheme’s Call Centre; whereasPH prefers to provide a personal touch bydeploying dedicated Client Liaison staffregularly to visit participating employers,giving members an opportunity to beassisted on site with queries regardingmembership, benefits, claims, accounts, taxcertificates or any other service relatedquery. This service sets PH apart from othermedical schemes in South Africa.

In all instances PH makes sure that membersreceive affordable healthcare by contractingwith hospitals and other related DesignatedService Providers.

Yours in health - Welcome Mboniso

What makes PlatinumHealth special and differentfrom other medicalschemes?


4

Employer Nominated Trustees

Liesel RoetsSiyanda Bakgatla

Platinum

Charles MbekeniAnglo American

Platinum

Jeremy JacobsRoyal Bafokeng

Platinum

Darren McDonaldModikwa Platinum

Meet our Board of TrusteesIt is with great pleasure that we introduce the 2019 Board of Trustees for Platinum Health.The key objective of the Board of Trustees is torun the affairs of the Scheme in the interest ofthe members of the Scheme, in perpetuatingproper and sound management of the Scheme,in terms of the rules of the scheme.

The responsibilities of the Board of Trusteesentail that they:• Take all reasonable steps to ensure that the

interests of beneficiaries in terms of the rulesof the Medical Scheme and the provisionsof the Act are protected at all times;

• Act with due care, diligence, skill and goodfaith;

• Take all reasonable steps to avoid conflictsof interest;

• Act with impartiality in respect of allbeneficiaries; and

• Take all reasonable precaution to safeguardthe assets of the scheme.

Due to the fact that there were vacancies atConstituencies 1 (AAP Process Division), 4 (RoyalBafokeng Platinum) and 5 (Modikwa Platinum),

nominations and elections took place at theseconstituencies during the past months.

The Act and the Scheme’s Rules also require thatat least 50 percent of the members of the Boardof Trustees be elected from amongst itsmembers.

Consequently, the Board of Trustees is madeup as follows:• Seven employer nominated trustees and

their alternates and seven member electedtrustees and their alternates.

• The Trustees serve a term of four years (Rule18.3) but are eligible for re-election providedthat no person serves on the Board for morethan two consecutive terms and no morethan a total of three terms.

• The term of office of a newly elected trustee(Rule 18.6) shall commence at the annualgeneral meeting at which the trustee isappointed/elected and lapse at the annualgeneral meeting in the fourth yearthereafter.


5

Member Elected Trustees

Colin SmithNortham Platinum

Paul KrauseAnglo American

Platinum

Edwin MungaiAnglo American

Platinum

Boitshoko PhidelisMolefe

AAP Process Division Constituency 1

Danny Molao Noko Siyanda Bakgatla

PlatinumConstituency 2

Samuel (Puffy)Senoelo PhetoAmandelbultOperations

(Tumela & Dishaba)Constituency 3

Percy MalamulaRoyal Bafokeng

Platinum Constituency 4

Phillemon MaimeleModikwa PlatinumConstituency 5

Khomotso JubileeKokohlabang

Other Operations Constituency 6

Abel MakouNortham Platinum Constituency 7

.


6

Platinum Health Tax Certificates for the tax year ending 28 February2019 has been distributed to members for whom we have validemail addresses. The remaining members for whom we do not havevalid email addresses, should receive hard copies via their Employers.

If you haven’t received your tax certificate via email by 30 June 2019, itmeans the Scheme does not have your correct email address. Kindly contact Client Liaisonfor assistance with updating your email address:Tel: 014 590 1700 or 080 000 6942 Email: [email protected]: 086 591 4598

TAX CERTIFICATES

Platinum Health maintainshealthy Solvency RatioIt is pleasing to report that the Platinum Health (PH) solvency ratio currentlystands at a sound 33.27%, which complies with the statutory requirement ofthe Medical Schemes Act.

Solvency ratio

The Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998, and

specifically Regulation 29, requires medical

schemes to maintain accumulated funds

expressed as a percentage of gross annual

contributions – also called their solvency –

amounting to at least 25.0%. This percentage

is an indication that a medical scheme is

financially sound and sustainable in the long

run. The graph below indicates that PH

consistently maintained solvency of above

25% in the past two years, which is an

indication that the scheme is financially sound.


7

20TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

FEEDBACKThe 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on 7 June this year andPlatinum Health would like to take this opportunity to thank all memberswho attended the AGM.

The key objectives of the meeting were as

follows:

• To review and approve the PH annual

financial statements for 2018.

• To deliver the Board of Trustees report.

• To appoint external auditors.

• To ratify the newly elected Trustees.

The financial statements for 2018 as well as

the Board of Trustees report were

unanimously accepted and Ernst and

Young was reappointed as Auditors for the

Scheme for the 2019 financial year.

Seen here at the AGM, standing from left are: Dr Matome Sekgala (PHMS Chief OperationsOfficer); Qekisi Mokhalodi, Welcome Mboniso (PH Principal Officer) and Percy Malamula (newTrustee for Royal Bafokeng Platinum – Constituency 4).


8

Make a difference in somebody’s lifeby donating bloodThousands of patients would die daily if there is insufficient quality bloodavailable. When one donates blood, they give patients the gift money cannotbuy, or science cannot create.

Who receives blood?• Patients undergoing surgical

operations• Patients with cancer or leukaemia• Premature babies• Children with severe anaemia• Accident trauma patients• Women/when blood is needed

during bleeding complications ofconfinements or gynaecologicalprocedures

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS)regularly calls on South Africans to donate blood andmake a difference in someone’s lives.

Platinum Health (PH) ladies heeded to their call recentlyby donating blood during a SANBS Blood Drive held atthe PH Corporate Office in Rustenburg. According toPH co-ordinator Cindy Bertram, SANBS visits their officeon a regular basis, giving employees the opportunity toconveniently donate blood at their workplace.

Well done to the ladies as the lead by example. Standing from left are: Marlise Myburgh;Rozetta Snyders; Chanell Rosslee; Maryna Deysel; Petro Crafford; Cindy-Marie Bertram; MiaBekker; Louise Bothma; Hannelie Walker and Neo Miya.


9

Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health AwarenessMental health refers to our cognitive, behavioural and emotional wellbeing - itis all about how we think, feel, and behave. Mental health can affect daily life,relationships and even physical health.

Many people have mental health concernsfrom time to time, but a mental healthconcern becomes a mental illness whenongoing signs and symptoms causefrequent stress and affect your ability tofunction. A mental illness can make youmiserable and can cause problems in yourdaily life, such as at school or work or inrelationships. Early diagnosis is essential,and the treatment of a mental disorder canlead to recovery and substantially reducethe economic and personal costs associatedwith the illness.

Platinum Health’s Mental Health Services(MHS) can assist with all kinds of problems,including work stress, family problems,trauma debriefing, adjustment problems,anxiety and depressed mood, substanceabuse and grief and bereavement. The mainoffice is situated in Rustenburg at thePlatinum Health Medical Centre, 175 BeyersNaudé Avenue and the contact number is(014) 590 1700. Members can make an

appointment either directly, or via a GP. Therespective Human Resource Departments atthe various business units may also, formallyrefer an employee by contacting MentalHealth Services.

Therapists are also available at mostPlatinum Health facilities and no referral orauthorisation number is required to accessthe service. Contact MHS or your nearestPlatinum Health facility, to establish whereto access the services. Employees whoqualify for the Employee AssistanceProgramme (EAP) may access the service viatheir HR Department or any Platinum Healthfacility.

Mental health problems are common but it is important to note, that help is available.

We offer a completely confidentialservice to help you improve the

quality of your life.


10

ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK - Know what to doAn allergy is hypersensitivity to a substance (allergen) that is not normally considered to be harmful. Allergies are triggered by the immune system, which reacts to theallergen as though it were a harmful substance invading the body. The mostextreme, life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can cause shock, asudden drop in blood pressure and narrowing of the airways. Anaphylaxis canoccur suddenly, can worsen quickly and can be fatal. In some cases, there may bea delayed reaction or anaphylaxis may occur without an apparent trigger.

SoME CoMMon AnAPHyLAxISTrIGGErS InCLudE:FOOD including peanuts, tree nuts such aswalnuts and pecans, fish, shellfish, cow’s milkand eggs.

LATEX found in disposable gloves,intravenous tubes, syringes, adhesive tapesand catheters. Healthcare workers, childrenwith spina bifida and genitourinaryabnormalities and people who work withnatural latex are at higher risk for latex-induced anaphylaxis.

MEDICATION including penicillin, aspirinand non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugssuch as ibuprofen, and anaesthesia.

INSECT STINGS with bees, wasps andhornets being the most likely to triggeranaphylaxis.

“If you’ve had any kind of severe allergicreaction in the past, ask your doctor if youshould be prescribed an epipen to carrywith you.”


11

AnAPHyLAxIS SyMPToMS Anaphylaxis symptoms occur suddenlyand can progress quickly. The earlysymptoms may be mild, such as a runnynose, a skin rash or a “strange feeling”.These symptoms can quickly lead tomore serious problems, including:• Trouble breathing and wheezing• Skin reactions, including hives,

itching and flushed or pale skin• Swelling of the face, eyes, lips or

throat• Tightness of the throat• Hoarse voice• Nausea• Vomiting• Abdominal pain• Diarrhea• Dizziness, fainting or

unconsciousness• A weak and rapid heartbeat• Cardiac arrest

InSECT STInGS:To help prevent stinging insects, avoidwalking barefoot on grass, drinkingfrom open soft drink cans, wearingbright-coloured clothing, sweet-smelling perfumes, hairsprays andlotion during active insect season in latesummer and early autumn.

HoW To GIvE EPIPEn• Form fist around EpiPen and pull off

blue safety release• Place orange end against outer mid-

thigh (with or without clothing)• Push down hard until a click is heard

or felt and hold in place for 10seconds

• Remove EpiPen. Massage injectionsite for 10 seconds.

IF you’rE WITH SoMEonE HAvInG AnALLErGIC rEACTIon WITH SIGnS oFAnAPHyLAxIS:• Don’t wait to see whether symptoms get

better. Seek emergency treatment rightaway. In severe cases, untreated anaphylaxiscan lead to death within half an hour.

• Immediately call Europ Assistance (0861 746548) for an ambulance, or Case Managementemergency number (082 800 8727).

• Have the person lie still on his or her back.• Loosen tight clothing and cover the person

with a jacket or a blanket.• Don’t give the person anything to drink.• If there’s vomiting or bleeding from the

mouth, turn the person on his or her side toprevent choking.

• Many anaphylaxis sufferers carry an epipento treat an allergic attack. Help the personhaving the attack to find and inject themedication.

• This will often look like a pen. Hold the auto-injector in your fist and pull off the safety capand press the tip against their thigh throughtheir clothing. This will automatically injectthe person with the drug.

• An antihistamine isn’t sufficient to treatanaphylaxis. These medications can helprelieve mild allergy symptoms but work tooslowly in a severe reaction.

• If you carry an auto-injector check the expirydate of the medication frequently to makesure it has not expired.

Source: www.allergy.org.au


Peace of mind is priceless Knowing your status gives you peace of mind

Get TESTED at any Platinum Health facility

• HIV treatment is very helpful in keeping people living with HIV, living longer, healthier lives.

• When you take HIV medicine correctly, you can live the same average age as other people.

• A person qualifies for HIV medicine immediately when he or she testspositive. Don’t wait until you get sick.

• Once you start treatment, you need to take the medicine every day, at thesame time of the day, for the rest of your life. Just like other diseases suchas diabetes, hypertension, epilepsy etc.

• It helps reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others.• Treatment with HIV medicines can prevent HIV from developing into AIDS.• Never stop taking HIV medication unless your doctor tells you to do so.• Stopping can hurt your health and lead to drug resistance.


Documents

Update - Platinum Health