Consultation Support

Of Madwaleni Hospital's clinical staff, 60% have only basic proficiency in isiXhosa & don't feel confident consulting patients without assistance (based on a 2022 survey). In the past, this language barrier has often led to unsatisfactory consultations & therapy sessions, which results in suboptimal use of public funds & human resources. 

| We want to see that interactions between patients/caregivers & healthcare workers are meaningful & comprehensive by ensuring that all aspects of consultations can be communicated & received by everyone involved. We also want to ensure these interactions are time, energy & financially-efficient. 

Our six dedicated interpreter-assistants work in the hospital's out-patient & rehabilitation departments, with doctors & rehabilitation professionals, respectively. They are able to offer not only excellent translation services but also provide unique cultural insights which add depth to consultations. 

Additionally, our assistants improve consultation efficiency by preparing consultation rooms for examinations & procedures. They have also been trained to facilitate group therapy sessions under the guidance of rehabilitation professionals. Ultimately this programme assist in the provision of holistic, comprehensive & efficient healthcare services. 

This leads to improved job satisfaction for healthcare workers & better experiences of healthcare for patients. 

Health Service Augmentation

When the hospital is sufficiently resourced - in terms of the quality of equipment & the availability of consumables - it makes operational processes more efficient & of better quality.  In addition to consultation support, we support the acquisition of healthcare resources when they are not available through traditional means. 

This support function is valuable in healthcare worker job fulfilment, as well as job satisfaction.

Examples of Resource Support

• Data & internet access for the clinical team - ensuring timeous access to patient results, as well as seemless access to up-to-date clinical guidelines

• Nappies & sanitary pads

• Infant feeding cups

• Mosquito repellant sprays for wards

• Uninterrupted power supply to critical hospital areas

• Infant & child weighing scales

Festive Day 

Each year Siyaphila invites their paediatric disabled population & their caregivers to celebrate all that they have achieved in the year, showing their appreciation for their commitment to attending rehabilitation. The team hosts a variety of activities from face painting to adapted games followed by a wheelchair parade around the hospital grounds. A lunch pack with a small toy is provided for all who attend - all sponsored by Layita supporters. 

This facilitates a growing rapport with our partner hospital's therapists, patients & caregivers, as well as raising awareness in the hospital community for populations with disabilities.

Wheelchair Supplies

Siyaphila also .......Donations of wheelchair glue & an electric carving knife have made the service offered of an exceptional standard. This has ensured all patients who require wheelchairs from Siyaphila Rehabilitation Department are issued with an appropriate device that is customised to their specific needs and is done so in an efficient & timely manner.

This support service aids in ensuring an adequate & functional seating clinic for our populations with mobility needs.