Groote Schuur Hospital unveils upgraded emergency and trauma facilities

Groote Schuur Hospital launched its improved Emergency and Trauma Centre on Tuesday, October 6, marking a significant investment in emergency and trauma care in the province.

According to a statement from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, approximately R200 million was invested in the project.

The Emergency Centre originally opened at the end of July, while the Trauma Centre opened in August.

The upgraded facility features modern clinical infrastructure, advanced medical technology, dedicated trauma treatment areas and enhanced resuscitation facilities. The improvements have been designed to support the delivery of emergency and trauma care in a purpose-built environment.

The project was further strengthened through the support of philanthropic donors working with the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust.

Their contributions funded vital clinical equipment, including digital mobile X-ray units, ventilators, ultrasound machines, transport monitors, and other essential technologies that support patient care in emergency settings.

Provincial Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger said the investment would strengthen Groote Schuur Hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies with both urgency and care.

“Groote Schuur’s Emergency Centre is one of the busiest in Africa, treating between 3 500 and 4 500 patients every month. Our patients and staff deserve a facility that is equipped to respond effectively when people need urgent care, whether they arrive with serious injuries, acute medical conditions or surgical emergencies,” she said.

Wenger said the investment was ultimately about the people of the province and ensuring that they could access quality, compassionate emergency care when they needed it most.

Dedicated family and relative waiting areas have been incorporated into the facility, providing welcoming spaces where relatives can remain close by while receiving updates from healthcare teams.

The centre also introduces a dedicated Patient Liaison Officer, a role created in response to feedback received from patients and families over the years.

Nkosi Wakashe, whose mother received care at the former C15 Emergency Centre, reflected on his family’s experience.

“During a very difficult time when my mother was admitted, one of the challenges we faced was not knowing where to go for information or who to approach with our questions. There was nobody available to guide us through the process or provide updates, which added to an already stressful situation for our family,” he said.

According to the Department of Health and Wellness, the Patient Liaison Officer will assist families by providing guidance, facilitating communication and helping relatives navigate the emergency care environment during times of uncertainty.

Groote Schuur Hospital CEO Dr Shaheem De Vries said the project reflects a commitment to delivering patient-centred care while supporting patients and their families throughout their healthcare journey.

“This achievement reflects what can be accomplished through strong partnerships. We are grateful to the donors who have supported Groote Schuur Hospital through the Hospital Trust and helped equip the facility with technology that will directly benefit patients and healthcare teams,” he said.

De Vries added that every aspect of the centre had been designed with patients at its core, from the clinical infrastructure and specialised equipment to the dedicated spaces supporting emergency and trauma care.

Find Southern Suburbs Tatler on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza