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Pietermaritzburg’s landmark Netcare St Anne’s Hospital, which was established more than a century ago, is to undergo a R125 million expansion.
“We are tremendously excited by this project, which represents a considerable investment in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding greater Midlands areas,” says Netcare St Anne’s Hospital general manager, Louis Joubert. “The expansion and upgrades will enable our hospital to grow apace with our fast developing city and continue to meet the steady increase in demand for its world class services well into the future,” he adds.
Joubert points out that the experienced and highly trained medical, nursing and administrative personnel together with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment have ensured that Netcare St Anne’s Hospital maintained its reputation as one of the foremost healthcare facilities in KwaZulu-Natal. The expansion project will allow the hospital to offer an even more comprehensive service, and improve local access to private healthcare.
More specialist services
Melanie Veness, CEO of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Commerce, says the expansion of Netcare St Anne’s Hospital is timely and very welcome. “Pietermaritzburg, the City of Choice, has a great need for more private hospital beds and the expansion project will go a long way to meeting this demand,” she notes. “The availability of further specialist services will benefit the local community. This will not only make life considerably easier for those who require specialised medical treatment but will help to stimulate the local economy.”
“Netcare St Anne’s Hospital is an iconic Pietermaritzburg institution and its staff members and management have always demonstrated deep care for the community,” says Veness. “It is gratifying to know that Netcare remains committed to investing in this community and ensuring that it delivers only the highest levels of care. We at the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Commerce are very grateful for the wonderful support that the hospital has always given, not only to us, but the wider community.”
According to Joubert, a further 53 beds will be added, bringing the total number of beds to 258. A variety of upgrades will improve efficiencies and enhance patients’ comfort.
Latest technology
The theatre complex is being modernised and expanded to incorporate the latest technology and equipment. The facility’s excellent maternity unit is being entirely rebuilt and will include its own theatre to accommodate caesarean sections. This will help to ensure an intimate and safe birthing experience for new parents.
“The demand for emergency services has increased in recent years and the emergency department is being trebled in size to accommodate this,” notes Joubert. “Dedicated oncology beds are also being added to keep immune suppressed oncology patients isolated and protected.”
Patients will also benefit from the development of a dedicated cardiac critical care unit and cardiac ward, says Joubert. The great demand for cardiac diagnosis and treatment has made this one of the priorities. “The community has expressed its needs and we have listened,” he adds.
Among the other improvements planned is increasing the capacity of the hospital retail pharmacy, kitchen and administration areas to cater for the envisaged larger number of patients. New doctors’ consulting suites are also being incorporated to accommodate more medical practitioners, while the old medical centre will be modernised.
Minimum impact
Visitors to the hospital will be pleased with improvements to address their needs. Additional parking bays will address this ongoing challenge. The coffee shop, always a hub of activity, will be redecorated to create a more modern and friendly atmosphere, and a new menu will be introduced.
Joubert apologised for any inconvenience caused during construction and gave the assurance that disruptions would be limited as far as possible, with minimum impact on patients and visitors to the facility.
He thanked the community for their understanding and continued support. “Please bear with us while we improve our facilities and services to the benefit of the community who have loyally supported the hospital over the years,” he requested. “We will continue providing quality service throughout the construction period.”
“It is humbling to know that Netcare St Anne’s Hospital is integral to the very fabric of the community and we appreciate the high level of trust in our services,” he adds. “Our patients are very important to us and they deserve only the best in service and facilities.”
