Bytes Managed Solutions has contributed to the launch of a new R1.35 million infectious diseases unit at the Heideveld Community Health Centre, in Cape Town.
Heideveld CHC serves a population of approximately 35 000 people who live in Heideveld, Welcome Estate, Vanguard Estate, Manenberg, Surrey Estate, Primrose Park and Tambo Village. It was opened by the SAME Foundation (SA Medical & Education Foundation), and is the non-profit organisation's fourth infectious diseases clinic in the Western Cape.
"We have had a long-standing relationship with the SAME Foundation," says Deidre le Hanie, MD, Bytes Managed Solutions. "We support the organisation's mission to create an environment where quality healthcare and education is available to everyone. Heideveld CHC serves people living in poor communities and it was essential for the clinic to have an infectious diseases unit so that patients no longer need to travel long distances to receive treatment. A specialised centre also helps to prevent cross-infections, making treatment more effective generally."
Heideveld CHC began offering antiretroviral (ARV) services two years ago. By April 2011, there were 1 314 registered patients in care and the facility managed to enrol more than 300 new patients in the next year, resulting in major consultation space constraints.
"Our foundation was approached to investigate this issue and come up with a viable short-term solution," says Trevor Pols, director, SAME Foundation. "With an increase of 300 to 400 patients per year, it was critical that we completed this project immediately."
The SAME Foundation provided the facility with a new eight-room unit to treat infectious diseases. The unit has been designed to accommodate the ongoing increase in patients using the facility. It also has a ventilation system that contains airborne diseases, and TB filter lights so as to prevent cross-contamination between patients and staff.
"We managed to complete this project thanks to donor partnerships with several corporate sponsors including Bytes Managed Solutions," says Pols. "This support is critical as the health of our citizens has a direct impact on the economy and productivity of South Africa. When companies get involved, they help us to improve the quality of services that the health department provides. The SAME Foundation strives to create an environment where quality healthcare is accessible to everyone, and with partnerships like the one we have with Bytes Managed Solutions, we are achieving our goal."
Le Hanie says Bytes Managed Solutions remains committed to helping people who have previously not had access to readily available healthcare. "We believe in promoting healthy communities as a way of ensuring that our economy has healthy employees who can help to grow it into the future."
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