I was reminded again how precious family is and how that constantly reminds us of our humanity. In a world struggling to find its new voice in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution we find ourselves at constant odds with one another. The irony however of our global village is that it brought us all closer through technology.

Where we will end up is anybody’s guess but I feel that if through this transition we remember our humanity and fight to preserve that, and the values it holds for all the worlds’ citizens, we may just find equitable resolution.

On the show recently I spoke to a very courageous mom, Sylvia Joffe. Her story is not unique, and she is not the first parent to lose a young child to cancer. Yet what Sylvia is doing is a little different to how we often respond to loss. She has started a project to honour her daughter, Vanya. Her daughter loved children so Sylvia’s project by design also helps other children needing treatment for cancer. The blanket projects builds on her daughter’s legacy, and also plays a role in reminding us of our humanity – to help and uplift others.

One of the striking aspects which impacted upon me was how many children face a dreaded challenge like cancer on their own. This is not an indictment on their parents or carers but just shows how difficult life can be, and that when we find angels like Sylvia we should celebrate their courage, commitment and resolve to help others. It is a very simple concept, the donated blankets are donated to the children at hospitals. These blankets represent so much to the children. They are seen as support, and comfort. Most importantly it shows these children that people do care. For children, that is an enriching example to be exposed too.

You can find out more about Vanya’s Blanket Project on Facebook or write to Sylvia on joffesylvia@gmail.com

Long queues, congested reception areas and endless hours of waiting could well be a scene from the past as City Health launches its new appointment system

This new appointment system is aimed at improving accessibility to primary healthcare and reducing waiting times in a bid to strengthen health services and improve healthcare.

‘We are well aware that congested waiting areas are a source of stress not only to our patients but also to staff.  We welcome this new initiative as it will improve both patient and staff satisfaction,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services,’ Alderman JP Smith.

This new appointment system is a joint initiative between City Health and the University of the Western Cape and forms part of the Appointment Systems Learning Initiative (ASLI) project. The pilot project included the design and implementation of timed appointment systems at 16 facilities.

‘Patients were given both a date and a time for their appointment based on the preference of the patient, as well as appointment availability and urgency of care. They were required only to arrive at the facility at the appointed time, and were given priority over patients without appointments or those who arrived late for their appointment. It is this learning from the project that is now being used to inform the appointment systems in all City Health facilities,’ said Alderman Smith.

The appointment system will include all non-acute services such as maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, chronic health services such as the treatment of HIV and tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Acute services will not utilise the timed appointment system and patients will be prioritised based on a triage score and the time of their arrival.

‘Currently, most appointment systems are being supported by paper-based appointment books. It is expected that these systems will be significantly strengthened with the introduction of an electronic appointment tool, which will be rolled out later in the year. Not only are electronic calendars easier to maintain but are also faster at accessing Information and Communications Technology (ICT),’ said Alderman Smith.