Vanguard Community Health Centre's open day: Bridging the gap between patients and health stakeholders
Sumaya Davids and the Health Community Forum were on hand to showcase their ongoing community health initiatives.
Image: Phiri Cawe
On Friday, July 25, the Vanguard Community Health Centre held its annual open day at its premises, attracting a diverse range of health stakeholders.
These stakeholders showcased their work and engaged with community members who attended the event.
While the open day was in progress, the clinic ensured that its services remained uncompromised. Every patient who visited the facility received person-centred care.
Manager Levona Johnson emphasised that the services continued as usual, praising her staff for being true heroes who have kept everything running smoothly.
“The open day is a key event on our calendar. We invite external partners because they can provide our patients with different perspectives and insights. It is also a wonderful opportunity for our staff, who often feel fatigued, as it boosts their morale. We make it a priority not to compromise service, and we have staff on-site to cover all areas,” said Ms Johnson.
She explained that part of the open day’s purpose is to allow patients to speak directly with various health stakeholders and receive answers from different viewpoints.
Among the many health stakeholders at the open day was New Hope, which focuses on HIV/AIDS awareness and support.
Image: Phiri Cawe
“We aim to bridge the gap between our facility and the community, fostering better understanding. It is beneficial for patients to converse with different professionals and gain insights into their health concerns,” she said.
Ms Johnson highlighted the importance of empowering patients to take responsibility for their health, stating that collaboration between staff and patients is vital for achieving favourable outcomes.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore various exhibits, ask questions, and win prizes.
Vanguard Community Health Centre manager, Levona Johnson, does not compromise on service at her facility. She firmly believes in the Batho Pele (People First) principle.
Image: Phiri Cawe
As in previous years, the event was organised to ensure that participants could safely interact and enjoy the day with their nurses and doctors.
The clinic received commendations from the local health committee and patients for its integrity.
Health committee chairperson Sumaya Davids praised the community for holding the staff accountable and acknowledged the exceptional work done by the facility’s team.
Midwife Obstetric Unit sister, sister Anetta Ortell explainig why preganat women should not drink alcohol and other things that might affect their pregnacy.
Image: Phiri Cawe
She encouraged community members to continue voicing their concerns by submitting them in the complaint box.
“We, as a committee, want to ensure that community complaints are addressed. I must commend the staff here for their brilliance; they ensure that no patient is left unattended. However, we also serve as the eyes and ears of the community, and we urge anyone with complaints to write them down and drop them in the complaint box,” she said.