Burn unit at Baragwanath Hospital receives essential upgrade

The renovation of the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) will significantly enhance its status as a premier burn treatment center in Africa.

Enhance critical care

This is according to Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who opened the new extended wing together with Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, and the Roy McAlpine Foundation.

The additional wing is expected to enhance critical care and specialist training. 

Since its establishment 33 years ago, the burns unit at the hospital has admitted over 30 000 patients and performed more than 40 000 burn-related surgical procedures.

“The opening of this new wing is more than just an expansion of physical space; it represents a crucial step forward in our ability to provide lifesaving world-class care to the hundreds of patients who depend on the public health system. 

“This centre of excellence will go a long way in ensuring that more patients, both adults and children, can be counted among those whose dignity was restored post severe burns,” explained Nkomo-Ralehoko. 

According to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Head of Burns Unit, Professor Adelin Muganza, the facility’s expansion includes 12 newly- equipped intensive care unit (ICU) beds and a new operating theatre to reduce delays in surgical procedures – a critical factor in treating severe burns.

The unit also boasts office space, a large outpatient service area ensuring that more patients receive timely follow-up care, and rehabilitation spaces for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and recreational activities. 

Recovery of burn victims

According to Muganza, all these are essential for the holistic recovery of burn victims, including a skin substitute laboratory to improve the training of specialists and patient outcomes through cutting-edge research.

The impact of this expansion is already being felt by patients such as 29-year-old Nontleko Sithole from George Goch in Johannesburg who suffered burns to her body and face. 

She was admitted to the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit earlier this month after a devastating fire at her home, which sadly claimed her grandmother.

“I am impressed and happy with how the hospital treated my wounds and amazed about the progress I am making so far. I never thought I was going to recover so quickly, but now I am positive because of the work done on me by the healthcare workers,” she said. 

Severely burned after collapsing

Another patient, Bafana Alex Ntombela from Pimville, Soweto, was severely burned after collapsing onto a hotplate stove, causing significant injuries to the lower part of his body. 

“I thought my life was over after seeing how badly I was burned. I underestimated Bara and its staff, but they surprised me with the treatment they gave me. They counselled me, and I have hope that I will recover. The progress of my healing is amazing.”

The facility is set to recruit additional specialists, medical officers, and nurses, further strengthening its capacity to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community.

This milestone underlines the GDoH’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and preparing for the National Health Insurance (NHI) by expanding and upgrading facilities to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.

The facility will also significantly improve burns services not only in Gauteng but also across South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community region.