Ask any health professional and they will tell you they want to do the best for their patients. However, variation in practice and data demonstrates how rarely best evidence is reliably implemented within complex healthcare systems (with their many competing demands, high demand of healthcare services) demonstrates how difficult this is in real-life practice.  This is what as Isibani noticed during the 2-day TB QI training that was held for 21 vibrant participants representing Bertha Gxowa Hospital in the South Sub-District of the City of Ekurhuleni.

Many are already undertaking improvement work without recognising it as such, therefore they are potentially losing the rich learning to be heard from their endeavours. Other staff members often appear demoralised by involvement in cost improvement programmes that feel like imposed change,  or by imposed demands to demonstrate involvement in clinical audit, which is often for assurance or just data collection rather than the intended repeated improvement cycles. This was indicated by an emotional debate between a TB focal nurse and a WBOT team member.

This was the first QI training conducted by Isibani QI team in Ekurhuleni District. The hospital was represented by the matron TB and HAST manager  and the COO officially opened,  those who attended include among others TB focal nurses, data capturers, WBOT team members, causality clinicians and staff  from  various wards including Paediatrics , medical and step down. Isibani termed this combination a fruit salad. Isibani could not be beaten as they had QI, M&E and communications, our beloved Enrolled Nurses Auxiliary (ENAs) s who were on duty also showed up, what a team we have!

Tumi (WBOT Team member) and Jabu (TB Focal Nurse) said “QI presents a real opportunity to rediscover the fun and enjoyment in work. QI enables us to connect in multi-professional teams, rediscovering what motivates us and taking ownership of how we respond to the changing National Health Systems (NHS) and the subsequent challenges we face in delivering best and safe practice. “

In a nutshell, the training was a success, and it provided more knowledge and guidance on the steps to take. At the end of the training a Hospital QI team was formed. We hope this partnership will be sustained.