Revitalizing OPD: A Volunteer’s Impact at Tintswalo Hospital
Dr Heloise Avenant, a dedicated general practitioner from Cape Town, has been volunteering with Tshemba Foundation for the eighth time. Her commitment to reducing wait times in theOutpatient Department (OPD) at Tintswalo Hospital has sparked significant improvements since her arrival in May 2024. Collaborating closely with hospital staff, including clerks, queue monitors, nurses, and doctors, Heloise has led efforts that have markedly reduced OPD waiting times. These improvements stem from three key actions: doctors arriving a bit earlier, clerks starting their day sooner, and nurses arriving early to triage patients effectively.
Recognizing that sustained change requires local champions, Heloise worked to identify and partner with staff members who could advocate for and maintain these improvements. Her approach reflects a deep understanding of the importance of teamwork and collective effort in achieving healthcare goals. To celebrate these achievements and acknowledge the staff’s hard work, Heloise organized a special lunch giving her colleagues gifts to recognize their efforts.
The nursing services manager, Adelaide Ubisi also attended this special event. It was a great example of the importance of having a shared vision and working together. Even small tokens of appreciation really count and it is important to acknowledge people when they go the extra mile. "You can change habits if you really persist with encouragement, guidance, and the occasional reward," Heloise noted, reflecting her philosophy that small tokens of appreciation can make a significant impact.
The Lime Green Table: A Symbol of Innovation and Community Effort
As part of the OPD revitalization, Heloise, along with our nurse communicators, Realise Mhlongo and Kulani Sithole, tackled another challenge in the queuing system. One of the queue marshalls was struggling to manage the line due to the need to stand in a single spot while sorting out patients who had lost their files. Seeing this, Heloise enlisted the help of Shane, a local leaner, to build a solution from scrap wood—a simple lime green table. This practical addition, funded by donations, provided a needed support structure and added a bright, welcoming element to the OPD’s interior.
The lime green table, built by Shane and painted to match the lime green and grey screen, symbolizes more than just a piece of furniture. It represents community ingenuity and the positive impact that small, thoughtful improvements can have on hospital operations. Heloise and her team paid Shane a stipend for this work, paid from donations money. This supports a local learner, and also reinforces the hospital's commitment to continuous improvement and resourcefulness.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
Heloise’s efforts at Tintswalo Hospital embody a broader commitment to excellence and innovation in healthcare. By focusing on practical, achievable goals and fostering a collaborative environment, she has helped reduce wait times and improve patient experiences in the OPD. Her work illustrates the profound impact that dedicated volunteers can have in underserved communities, where every small change can lead to significant, positive outcomes.
Reflecting on her time at Tintswalo, Heloise shares, “Our OPD project empowered many staff members to pull their weight and be recognized for their contribution.” Her experience underlines a powerful truth: lasting change is built on shared effort, a common vision, and the willingness to go the extra mile.