In striving to meet the institutional value of excellence, Occupational Health Services volunteered to be audited by their professional body, the South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing Practitioners (SASOHN) in June 2022.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of occupational health services within the institution. Therefore, the decision was made to be audited in order to prepare ourselves and asses our compliance and readiness for future health disasters management.
“We wanted to measure ourselves and assess our readiness,” said Sister Valencia Pereira, who played a critical role in guiding and serving both the institution and the public through the global coronavirus pandemic.
The aim of the audit was to assess the quality of occupational health service delivery and adherence to corporate standards and applicable legislation. It also assisted in ensuring that the focus in terms of occupational health policies, procedures and records were based on the most significant risk of the organisation.
This is inclusive of its systems, equipment, controls, surveillance plans for high-risk occupations, Injury on Duty (IOD) management and chronic disease monitoring for the institution.
“We are thrilled with the outcome by these qualified auditors,” said Kobus Magielies, who was also actively involved in the audit as the present Manager of Occupational Health Services.
The Occupational Health team in Gqeberha has 15 staff members, 13 of whom are permanent, serving staff on North, Missionvale and Second Avenue campuses.
The latest accolade follows their success as PASS Excellence Awards team winners in 2021, and finalists this year as well as compliance to relevant Occupational Health and Safety Legislation: Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Disease Act, OHS Act and regulations.
But as with all teams that strive for excellence, they are set on improving their service particularly with the delivery of staff health and wellness service on all campuses. This also includes decentralisation of Occupational Health Services to other campuses, including George Campus.
