South Africa: Beaufort West Hospital Gets R1 Million Equipment Donation

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BuaNews (Tshwane)

18 July 2008
Posted to the web 18 July 2008

Luyanda Makapela
Beaufort West

In an effort to improve people's lives, Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (PetroSA) has donated R1 million towards the purchasing of life-saving medical equipment for the Beaufort West Hospital.

The equipment was officially handed to the Department of Health and the Medical Association of South Africa at the Beaufort West Hospital on Friday.

PetroSA acting Vice-President of Operations Michael Nene said the hospital serviced members of the community who cannot afford private health-care services.

"We also know that due to the high demand for trauma treatment from accidents occurring around Beaufort West, the hospital is stretched to the limit during the peak holiday season.

"With this new equipment, the staff of Beaufort West Hospital will without doubt save many lives," he said.

Welcoming the donation, Western Cape Health MEC Pierre Uys said the hospital had already begun to see the benefits of utilising the medical equipment.

"This is a fine example of what can be achieved when government, private institutions such as the South African Medical Foundation and state owned enterprises like PetroSA, hold hands to serve our people," said Mr Uys.

He said the Trauma Unit has substantially benefited from donation and treated 693 casualty cases in June alone.

"In the Maternity Unit there were 135 admissions, 66 deliveries and 15 Caesarean sections, during the same period," MEC Uys said.

Beaufort West Hospital boasts health services such as an ARV clinic, physiotherapy and occupational therapy units, x-ray, a training school for nurses and a well equipped pharmacy.

Outreach specialised services such as orthopaedics, paediatrics, psychology and ophthalmology are rendered on a regular basis.

Located next to South Africa's national N1, Beaufort West Hospital services a vast geographical area that covers thousands of residents.

The 57-bed hospital admits patients from far-flung Karoo hamlets such as Murraysburg, Nelspoort, Leeu Gamka and Merweville.

It also serves as a national health asset that cares for the thousands of travellers who pass through Beaufort West

PetroSA social responsibility initiative has also donated over R160 million to worthy causes over the last four years.

These projects are in the areas of education and training, womens' empowerment and health.

Early this month, PetroSA also donated R1.5 million to assist those most affected by the recent rains in the Western Cape.

PetroSA's Dan Marokane said the company was committed to community development and the protection of South African communities.

"This relief effort is part of our program to ensure that we create a quality life for South African communities," Mr Marokane said, when speaking at the handing over of the cheque to the City of Cape Town.

The donation was used to buy blankets, food and other essentials.

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