McCord Hospital is characterized by four pillars of service - health care services, education & training, holistic HIV care services and research. General medical care is available through various clinical departments at the hospital.
6th ANNUAL WORKSHOP ON ADVANCED CLINICAL CARE (AWACC) – AIDS
Registrations are now open for the 6th Annual Workshop of Advanced Clinical Care (AWACC) – AIDS. This high-level workshop on AIDS management has developed national acclaim for bringing together the top minds in AIDS management from around the country and internationally. It focuses on the issues facing clinicians involved in the active management of patients with HIV, and is aimed at medicine-nurse practitioners, pharmacists, medical practitioners, paramedical professionals and specialists from all fields.
This year’s AWACC AIDS is taking place on 4th and 5th October at the Elangeni Southern Sun Hotel in Durban. Registration costs R1,000 which includes attendance to the event and lunch and teas for two days. Overnight accommodation and travel costs are NOT included in the registration fee, and must be funded separately by delegates. .
The two-day interactive workshop aims to translate the latest evidence-based research and apply best practice models of care into good clinical practice, specifically for resource scarce areas. Click here to view the Draft Programme. 11 CPD points will be allocated for the two-day conference
Objectives:
- Provide updates in the management of PLHIVwith opportunistic infections, ART complications and treatment failure in resource-scarce settings;
- Educate on issues related to HIV in the pediatric population, the PMTCT programme and women;
- Develop experienced clinicians to work independently and serve as consultants in HIV medicine in different district and community health institutions; and
- Create an opportunity for networking between HIV clinicians, academicians, researchers and policy makers.
Organising Committee:
Dr. Henry Sunpath - Department of Medicine - McCord Hospital - Durban (Chairperson)
Prof. Yunus Moosa - ID Unit - Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN
Prof. Raj Gandhi - ID Unit - Mass General Hospital – Harvard Medical School
How to Register:
Click here to register for AWACC 2012.
Registration closes on 23 September - register now to avoid disappointment.
Discounted accommodation rates are available at Elangeni Southern Sun. To reserve a room please phone Jeanie Pillay on (+27) 031 362 1300 and quote booking number 514727.
For more information about AWACC AIDS 2012, please contact Karen Moodley on +27 (0) 31 268 5828 or 084 788 3853 or email karen@mccord.co.za and henry.sunpath@mccord.co.za.
AWACC is organised in consultation with KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (HAST Unit), University of KwaZulu-Natal, , Southern African HIV Clinicians' Society and Harvard University Center for AIDS Research.
This workshop was made possible with help from the Harvard University Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), an NIH funded program (P30 AI060354).
To view reports and presentations from last year's AWACC Confrence, please click here
McCord celebrates Mother's Day 2012
This past Mother's Day, McCord celebrated the important role that mothers play in our society by treating all new mums and border mums on its Maternity Ward to Mother's Day Goodie Bags.
The delighted mums were treated to flowers, chocolates, toiletries and gym vouchers thanks to generous donations from sponsors including Kloof Florist, Superclean, Olivetti and Curves Gym in Morningside. Sister Ngubane, who oversees McCord's Maternity Ward said; “We are so grateful to all our sponsors for helping us make this Mother’s Day extra special for our mums!”
McCord unveils new Rooftop Garden
Patients and visitors at McCord Hospital can now enjoy some breathtaking views of Durban city thanks to the creation of a beautiful new Rooftop Garden. Located on the third floor of the hospital’s main building, the garden offers patients and visitors a much needed space where they can relax and enjoy some peace and tranquility during their stay at the hospital.
The garden was recently opened by McCord CEO, Dr Helga Holst and Pat Kirkwood from Deloitte & Touche, the firm responsible for the physical transformation of the once unused outside space. Speaking at the opening, Pat said; “It was our pleasure to assist McCord Hospital in creating this unique garden for its patients to enjoy. On behalf of Deloitte I would like to thank all the sponsors who contributed so generously to enable this project to happen.”
Indigenous plants and eco-friendly furniture made from recycled materials are just some of the items that were donated to the project by local companies including; JT Ross, Tongaat Plants, Shaves Paint & Décor, Republic Umbrellas and Adriya Sports & Fencing.
At the opening ceremony, Dr Holst said; “A big thank you to Deloitte & Touche and all the sponsors who made this garden possible! We are so grateful for this wonderful oasis that is undoubtedly going to bring much happiness to our patients and their families.”
McCord Medical Centre now Open on Saturdays
Due to popular demand, the McCord Medical Centre is now open on Saturdays! Following numerous requests from our patients - many of whom struggle with juggling work, study and family commitments during the week, the McCord Medical Centre is now offering walk-in GP consultations every Saturday from 8:00am to 1:00pm.
Building on the 103 year legacy that is McCord Hospital, our professional, friendly and highly dedicated team of General Practitioners and Specialists at the McCord Medical Centre is committed to providing good quality care to both you and your family at prices you can afford.
The McCord Medical Centre currently offers a wide range of affordable GP and specialist services to both cash-paying and Medical Aid clients. Our current specialist services include; Orthopaedics, Gynaecology, ENT, Ophthalmology, HIV, and Wound Care.
For more information on the McCord Medical Centre’s weekly, appointment-based GP & specialised services or our new walk-in GP services on Saturdays, please do not hesitate to contact us on 031 268 5854 or email info@mccord.co.za
New Partnership to bring Free MMC to Men from Valley of 1000 Hills
McCord Hospital is delighted to announce that as of April 2012 it will be partnering with the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) to bring free male medical circumcision (MMC) to men of the Upper Highway / Valley of 1000 Hills area. The partnership has been forged as a part of McCord's wider HIV prevention strategy, as MMC has been proven to reduce the risk of HIV infection to men by up to 60%.
McCord has been running a free MMC programme since February 2011, thanks to funding from the US President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The partnership with HACT will enable men from the Upper Highway / Valley of 1000 Hills area to more readily access this service.
Pre and post-op care will be provided at HACT and the actual procedure will take place at McCord’s Circumcision Clinic located at 155 Brickfield Road, Overport, Durban – with transport to the clinic being provided by HACT. Men aged 15-49 years are eligible for the programme, and both HIV negative and HIV positive men with CD4 counts of 250 or more can partake.
HACT Counsellor, Sibusiso Mthethwa, said “We’re excited to be making free male medical circumcision more accessible to men from the Upper Highway area - over time we will see a reduction in our area’s HIV infection rates if we can encourage as many men as possible to come forward for circumcision.”
Men from the Upper Highway / Valley of 1000 Hills area wishing to book for the procedure should contact HACT on 031 765 5866 or via email to counselling@hillaids.org.za. Alternatively, please contact McCord's Circumcision Clinic directly on 031 209 3295 or via email at circumcision@mccord.co.za
McCord Supports the Fight to Eliminate TB
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s deadliest diseases with one third of the world’s population currently infected. March 2012 is TB Awareness Month and McCord Hospital is lending its full support to the fight against this deadly disease.
Over the next four weeks, McCord will be reaching out to surrounding communities in the Durban area to raise awareness around TB signs and symptoms and promote TB screening, testing and treatment. Free TB talks and screening sessions will take place at local high schools, community halls and local businesses, while educational talks and plays will be performed for staff and patients at the hospital itself on Friday, the 23rd March 2012 in the lead up to World TB Day on the 24th March 2012.
McCord Hospital has a dedicated TB Centre which offers TB screening, testing, treatment and counselling. The TB Centre is located on the hospital’s premises located at 28 McCord Road, Overport, Durban and is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.
If you suspect you or someone you know has TB, or you would like more information on TB, please contact the McCord TB Centre on 031 268 5934 or email: tbclinic@mccord.co.za or click here to learn more about TB.
McCord Circumcision Clinic celebrates First Year Anniversary
McCord Hospital’s Male Circumcision Clinic celebrated its first year of operation on Tuesday, the 14th February 2012. The clinic, which offers free medical circumcision to all men aged 15 to 49 is currently funded by PEPFAR – the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and is offered as part of the hospital’s comprehensive HIV Prevention Strategy.
Appropriately, the clinic’s one year anniversary coincides with the Department of Health’s National STI / Condom Awareness Week which runs from the 12th – 18th February 2012 and stresses the importance of individuals taking responsibility for their sexual and reproductive health.
Since opening its doors 12 months ago, the clinic has circumcised over 3 250 men. In addition to reducing a man’s risk of HIV infection by up to 60% , male medical circumcision offers a host of other benefits including improved hygiene, reduced risk of sexually transmitted infections, reduced risk of penile cancer and a reduction in the risk of cervical cancer for female partners.
The Circumcision Clinic will continue operating in 2012 with staff hoping even more men will come forward and make use of the free service on offer. To this end, the clinic is pleased to announce it will be extending its opening hours with appointment-based Saturday clinics starting next month in March 2012.
Rotary E-Club Donates New Wheelchairs to McCord
McCord Hospital has four new wheelchairs thanks to a generous donation by the Rotary E-Club of South Africa. McCord CEO, Dr Helga Holst was on-hand to receive the donation of two new adult and two new children’s wheelchairs from Club President, Gerald Sieberhagen and Executive Secretary, Irene Kotze in ealry February 2012.
The wheelchairs, which are specifically built to be low maintenance and for use on non-flat terrain, will be put to good use in and around McCord hospital which sees over 15 000 people a month through its Outpatient and Emergency Department alone.
On handing over the wheelchairs, Mr Sieberhagan said; “It gives me great pleasure on behalf of the Rotary E-Club of South Africa to make these chairs available to McCord Hospital. We have supported McCord previously with their beds appeal and we continue to be impressed with the hospital’s facilities and dedication to their work.”
Mark Schwartz Awarded 2011 Inyathelo Award for International Philanthropy to South Africa
Mark Schwartz, Leading financier and dedicated supporter of McCord Hospital has recently been awarded the 2011 Inyathelo Award for International Philanthropy to South Africa for his remarkable support of the largest health challenge facing our country – the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Former senior Managing Director of Goldman Sachs and former advisor to George Soros and President of Soros Fund Management, Mark is currently Chairman and Managing Director of MissionPoint Capital Partners LLC. and has managed to persuade a group of top US institutions to invest more than R2 billion over the past 8 years into various South African hospitals, clinics, research centres and laboratories as part of his efforts to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, reduce infection and ultimately find a cure.
Mark and his wife Lisa, who is very much involved in the effort, are not just financially generous, they are active participants in all the projects in KwaZulu-Natal, visiting the country regularly to meet with sick patients, help train the next generation of African doctors, scientists and healthcare professionals, and plot the creation and development of world-class biomedical and healthcare facilities. Even Mark’s 80-year-old mother has spent considerable time driving around the townships in a mini-bus reading stories to children living with HIV/AIDS.
On behalf of McCord Hopsital we would like to congratulate Mark on winning this prestigious and much-deserved award.
Introducing the New McCord Savings Card
In a time when medical treatment is becoming increasingly expensive, McCord Hospital is firmly committed to providing sustainable, good quality and affordable healthcare for all. The hospital and its staff are constantly striving to find new and innovative ways to help ensure people get the healthcare they need both now and in the future.
McCord Hospital is therefore proud to introduce the new McCord Savings Card.This unique scheme is designed to enable families to put aside regular savings to enable them to pay for medical expenses at McCord Hospital as and when the need arises.
To find out more information about the new McCord Savings Card please click here or contact Lungi Mzimela on 031 268 5706 or at msc@mccord.co.za
Report on the 5th Annual Workshop on Advanced Clinical Care (AWACC) - AIDS, Durban 2011 Avaialble Now
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A total of 350 delegates took part in the 5th Annual Workshop on Advanced Clinical Care (AWACC) - AIDS, Durban which recently took place on the 6th & 7th October at the Elangeni Hotel. This high-level workshop on AIDS management has developed national acclaim for bringing together the top minds in AIDS management from around the country and internationally. The focus of the workshop sessions was on the issues facing clinicians involved in the active management of patients with HIV. Please click here to read the report and download copies of the presentations.
2011 Annual Report Available to Download Now
McCord Hospital's 2011 Annual Report is out now! The Report entitled "2011-Year of Transformation" details some of the significant achievements and progress the hospital has made over the past year.
A Big thank you to Global Mouse for designing this year's report free of charge as part of their Corporate Social Investment Initiative. McCord Hospital is very grateful for their support.
To download a copy of the 2011 Annual Report please click here. Alternatively, please contact the Marketing Department to request a hard copy on 031 268 5882 or at marketing@mccord.co.za
Durban Men Speak Out About Circumcision
These Durban men have been circumcised at McCord Hospital’s Male Circumcision Clinic, and they are speaking out about it! Brian Zulu, Senzo Myeza, Phakamani Ndlovu, Mxolosi Mabaso and Mfanafuthi Dladla want to encourage other Durban men to sign up for circumcision as part of the province’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Circumcision reduces HIV transmission to men by 60%, and also provides other health benefits. McCord Hospital’s Male Circumcision Clinic, at the Siyaphila Building, 155 Brickfield Road in Overport, has been running since February 2011, with over 1500 men having been circumcised so far, and plans to circumcise another 7000 men by February 2012. Circumcision is provided for free for men aged 15 to 49 years, thanks to funding from the US President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The project is part of McCord Hospital’s comprehensive approach to HIV prevention. Bookings can be made telephonically by phoning 031 209 3295, by emailing circumcision@mccord.co.za or in person between 7.30am and 9.30am Monday to Friday at 155 Brickfield Road Overport.
McCord Reveals New Logo
On Wed 3 August, McCord Hospital revealed a new logo to take the institution into its second century. The new logo, a modernised version of the old logo in a new teal colour scheme, was designed by top marketing and design company, Global Mouse, who took on the project free of charge as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility investment. Management launched the new logo to staff by printing it onto cakes that were shared by all staff. The new logo and colour scheme will be rolled out through McCord's marketing collatoral over the next few months. Click here to read the full article.
New Maternity Department and Baby Nursery
For two weeks in July, a team of three men from High Kirk Presbyterian Church in Northern Ireland gave up their annual leave to build McCord a brand new baby nursery in Ward A2. High Kirk Presbyterian Church and a Christian radio station called Radio Cracker, both from Northern Ireland, jointly funded the renovations of Ward A2, which commenced in April 2011. Ward A2 will soon become the Maternity Department, boasting private delivery rooms, over-bed televisions and nurse-call systems. We are so grateful to Leslie, Ken and Dave for their hard work in fundraising and giving up their time and energy to do much of the manual labour themselves. They are pictured here with fellow members of their church who visited McCord to see their progress on the renovation project. The new Maternity Department will open later this year.
Beds Appeal: Next 20 for Maternity Ward
Thanks to amazing support from the local community, church groups, businesses and local and international donors, McCord has now raised funds for the purchase of 20 electronic hi-low hospital beds. The beds have been placed in Ward A1 and the Same Day Surgery Centre. We have now commenced our appeal for the next batch of 20 beds, which will be placed in the newly-renovated Maternity Ward. SAPREF have already committed funding for the first 10 of these beds, so we are now calling for business, faith groups or individuals interersted in providing funding for the second set of 10. The beds are state-of-the-art and offer a dramatic improvement in patient comfort. Contact the Fundraising Department at 031 268 5882 if you can contribute towards a new hospital bed!