Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
THE Avenues Clinic has embraced advanced medical technology as part of efforts to improve patient outcomes after investing US$500 000 in upgrading its Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency Unit and Coronary Care Unit.
The investment is part of a broader US$4 million refurbishment programme that has seen the private hospital modernise its infrastructure and medical equipment to enhance critical care services.
Speaking at the opening of the refurbished unit in Harare yesterday, The Avenues Clinic managing director Mrs Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu said the hospital was integrating technology into patient care to improve clinical outcomes while easing the workload of healthcare workers.
“We are using technology to help them (nurses) do their work. They are less stressed, they can just check the monitor and then they can come and attend to the patient,” she said.
The upgraded unit has been fitted with advanced Mindray patient monitors, integrated bed-head systems that centralise medical gases and electrical outlets, and moisture detection devices that immediately alert nurses when critically ill patients require attention.
Mrs Ndhlovu said the improvements will enhance patient safety and reduce delays in responding to emergencies.
“What this simply means is that all our machines are in one point. We are not sharing plugs and, even in terms of safety for the patient and good clinical outcomes, we now have it all here,” she said.
She said the hospital has also increased dialysis access points in the critical care unit from one to 13, allowing patients requiring dialysis to receive treatment without being transferred between beds.
“The big improvement is that we now have more points. We do not need to be moving the patient and it means that we can cater for more patients better, faster and in a more comfortable environment.”
Mrs Ndhlovu said the hospital will continue investing in technology and infrastructure to ensure Zimbabweans have access to quality specialised healthcare locally.
“We really want to be that hospital that Zimbabweans go to. We are saying you do not have to go to those other countries because there is no facility. We are here to offer that choice so that Zimbabweans know that there is a place to go to,” she said.
The clinic has also upgraded staff facilities, including rest areas for nurses, in recognition of the demanding nature of critical care services.
