Compiled by: EM Mthimkhulu – Public Relations Officer, Osindisweni hospital
United States High Delegation visit to Osindisweni hospital, 01 April 2014
On 1 April 2014 the high delegation from the United States of America were at Osindisweni
Hospital to observe the progress of the
Clinical Associates programme.
The
Clinical Associates training programme is supported by the American International Health Alliance (AIHA)
through the Twinning Center programme.
This support is made possible by US Government President’s Emergency Plan for
AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding with support of the Twinning Center program, managed
by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the US Department
of Health and Human Services.
The program was launched by the National Department of Health in South Africa in
2008 to increase the number of mid-level medical professionals in the workforce.
The Clinical Associates programme entails empowering students on how to perform
clinical procedures, to assess and manage important emergency medical conditions
encountered in the country’s hospital wards and casualties. During their
training, the students spend most of their time in district hospitals under the supervision of medical practitioners.
After completion they register with the Medical and Dental Board of the Health and
Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The Clinical Associate’s scope of
practice is defined by the context and requirements of district hospital with
particular focus on emergency care, skilled procedures and in-patient care.
Osindisweni Hospital is one of the training sites for Clinical Associates.
Presently there are three graduate Clinical Associates and five students who are
mentored by the Clinical Manager, with the support of other doctors at the
institution.
The visit included the following guests:
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