Jwaneng Mine Hospital has reached a momentous milestone by attaining its sixth accreditation from the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA), following a rigorous audit. This accreditation, which spans a four-year period, is testament to the health facility's growth and commitment to upholding high international standards as set by COHSASA.
COHSASA is a leading, internationally recognised healthcare quality improvement and accreditation organisation. It assists healthcare facilities in developing countries to deliver quality healthcare through sustained improvement, using internationally recognized standards, patient safety principles and operational research.
According to a COHSASA Comments and Recommendations (C&R) Report, Jwaneng Mine Hospital got an overall facility score of 98 out of a possible 100. Amongst other tough assessment requirements for accreditation, Jwaneng Mine Hospital was evaluated on governance and management of the healthcare facility. This meant that the hospital leadership had to demonstrate that the healthcare facility complies with the country-specific legislation, respects ethical norms, spiritual, cultural values, beliefs and that the facility communicates with its catchment population to facilitate access to information about its patient care services. In another critical assessment under which it scored 100, the health facility was also commended for taking measures to protect patient privacy and maintain the confidentiality of patient information as well as strictly upholding the safety and security of patients who visit the Hospital for health care.
COHSASA Chief Executive Officer, Jacqui Stewart, said that such a feat could only have come about through dedication amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "This we know has been done through hard work and genuine commitment to continuous quality improvement, the Technical Committee and Board particularly commend you for achieving this accreditation when you had been dealing with the significant challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
Jwaneng Mine General Manager Koolatose Koolatose said that, "on behalf of the entire Jwaneng Mine, we are deeply honoured to have attained this re-accreditation. This milestone is because of our dedicated team of our health professionals who continue to work hard ensuring that our employees and our communities receive the best quality health care in the mist of this raging pandemic."
Jwaneng Mine Hospital operates as a district referral hospital, serving the Mine, Township, and all settlements within an 80km radius, and it has a longstanding partnership with the Ministry of Health & Wellness. The Hospital is also currently undergoing a major three-year upgrade, with phase one having been completed. Unplanned projects in response to the COVID-19 pandemic include the installation of a bulk oxygen plant (vacuum insulated evaporator) and pharmacy smart lockers where patients can collect their medication to minimise physical contact. An oxygen generator plant is also being set up at the health facility. This will go a long way in mitigating oxygen shortages especially during the pandemic.