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Emergency Funds for Emergency Surgery

Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) in Cape Town is a renowned tertiary academic hospital celebrated for its pioneering medical innovations, including the first heart transplant. Established in 1938, GSH serves over 50,000 in-patients and 500,000 outpatients annually with more than 1,000 beds. Despite its prestigious history and commitment to providing innovative, person-centered healthcare, the hospital faces significant challenges due to recent austerity measures and a high incidence of trauma. These factors have led to considerable delays in emergency surgeries, especially during predictable surge periods like weekends and public holidays, resulting in delayed care and the cancellation of elective surgeries. 

 

To address these challenges, the GSH Trust is seeking R2,160,000 annually for two years to create 70 additional theatre lists per year. This funding will enable the hospital to staff a third, currently unused theatre in the newly renovated C6 complex, which will be operational on Fridays and during surge periods. By doing so, GSH aims to perform at least 200 extra surgeries annually and reduce emergency surgery wait times by 25%. The initiative will help alleviate emergency surgery bottlenecks, protect elective surgeries, and provide additional training opportunities for surgical trainees. With the support of patients, communities, medical staff, and the GSH management team, this project will enhance GSH's capacity to provide timely and effective emergency care, maintaining the quality of its elective surgical services.

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