7 Ways Nursing Services Improve Private Hospital Care
South Africa has a two-tiered healthcare system, with private hospitals catering to those who can afford it and public hospitals serving most of the population. The public sector is state-funded and caters to the majority – 71% – of the population, which is why it’s often understaffed and overstretched.
On the other hand, the private healthcare sector is mostly privately owned and run. This sector is funded mainly through individual contributions to medical aid schemes or health insurance and serves around 27% of the population. Although private healthcare is often associated with better working conditions, staff salaries, and facilities, this isn’t always the case.
Private hospitals can be understaffed and overworked, just like their public counterparts. This article will focus on private hospitals and list seven ways nursing services can improve the care offered in these institutions.
If you are searching for a nursing services provider in South Africa, consider using Greys Nursing Services. We have successfully placed thousands of nursing professionals into hospitals, care homes, doctors’ practices and private homes and can do the same for you. Contact us to learn more.
Private healthcare in South Africa
Around 79% of doctors in South Africa work privately. There are also around 200 private hospitals across the country, where two of the biggest private providers are Netcare and Mediclinic, which run many facilities.
In general, private hospitals offer a higher standard of care than public hospitals. This is because private hospitals have access to better resources, both in terms of facilities and staff.
Private hospitals also tend to be better staffed than public hospitals because they can offer higher salaries and better working conditions. This means that private hospitals usually have a lower staff turnover than public hospitals and can provide more continuity of care.
Despite being smaller than the public healthcare sector, private healthcare in South Africa accounts for around half of annual expenditure. Whereas public services are heavily subsidised by the government and cheap, private healthcare costs in South Africa can be comparable to countries such as the UK, France, and Germany.
However, private hospitals are not perfect. They can be understaffed and overworked, just like public hospitals. This is why nursing services must be of the highest quality in private hospitals and always strive to improve.
A big problem faced is not having enough staff in our hospitals
It’s well documented that South Africa’s health care system across the public and private sectors are under strain due to a lack of staff to cover the number of patients needing care in the facilities. So, is there a plan to combat this? A viable solution could be sourcing more staff. Even though there’s a staff shortage, there’s not a shortage of capable nurses willing to work in multiple facilities if needed.
There are several ways in which nursing services in private hospitals can improve the care offered.
1. By providing more individualised care
In private hospitals, nurses can spend more time with each patient as there are fewer patients overall. This allows them to get to know their patients better and provides an opportunity for more personalised care.
2. By having a lower nurse-to-patient ratio
The nurse-to-patient ratio is often lower in private hospitals than in public hospitals. This means that nurses have more time to devote to each patient, leading to better care.
3. By offering more specialised care
Private hospitals often have more resources and offer more specialised care than public hospitals. This higher level of care can be beneficial for patients with complex needs.
4. By providing better working conditions for nurses
Nurses in private hospitals typically have better working conditions than those in public hospitals. These advantages can include better pay, more accommodating work environments, and better opportunities for career advancement.
5. By having higher quality facilities
Private hospitals tend to have newer and better-equipped facilities than public hospitals, leading to improved patient outcomes and a better experience for both patients and staff.
6. By investing in nursing research and education
Private hospitals are often able to invest more heavily in nursing research and education than public hospitals. This can result in better-educated nurses and more up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices.
7. By working closely with other health care providers
Private hospitals typically have closer relationships with other health care providers, such as specialists and community services. This can lead to improved continuity of care for patients and more comprehensive care overall.
Looking Forward To The Future
South Africa’s healthcare system is on the verge of some profound changes. The government is working to establish a national health insurance system. This system aims to improve the nation’s health, make healthcare more affordable for everyone, and address inequalities between different socio-economic groups. However, discussions about implementing such a system are still in their infancy and will take a long time to develop.
Overall, nursing services in private hospitals can improve the care offered in several ways. Private hospitals can provide a higher level of care by providing more individualised care, having a lower nurse-to-patient ratio, offering more specialised care, and investing in nursing research and education.
Greys Nursing Services is a leading provider of nursing care in South Africa. We offer a wide range of nursing services, from general nursing care to specialist areas such as intensive and trauma care. The nurses we source are highly trained and experienced, and our staffing solutions are well-equipped to provide the highest level of employee to maintain the standard of care your hospitals offer.
Contact us to learn more about Greys’ nursing services and how our staffing solutions can elevate your private healthcare and take your facility to the next level!
