Chatterbox May 2013 - saslha

MAY 2013 NEWSLETTER #11
Chatterbox
Keeping you informed and reminding you why you love your job!
“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”
- Lou Holtz -
National Health Insurance
As therapists we have all heard of NHI, some maybe more
than others. Many of us are still uncertain about the impact
it will have on us professionally, as well as personally. South
Africa’s Health system is on the brink of significant changes
and as part of that system, we need to ensure that we are
informed and actively involved to gain as much benefit
from these changes as possible.
At Dr. George Mukhari Hospital we are very excited about
the developments we see in preparation for NHI. We have a
new CEO who is actively improving service delivery: In the
past 3 months we have seen many changes – all for the
better: New strategic plans, policies and procedures were
developed, waiting times and cleanliness were adressed
and improved, IT systems were upgraded, facilities
improved, new posts created and filled and the list go on
and on.
HEALTHCARE FOR ALL SOUTH AFRICANS
How to be actively involved during this exciting (and challenging!) time:
Know what NHI is all about! Read the “National Health Insurance Policy Paper (Government Gazette, 12 August
2011)” and “National Health Insurance: The first 18 months”.
Find out if your institution is part of the pilot project – many institutions in Gauteng are.
Find out if you have received additional budget from NHI for e.g. IT – and motivate to get your piece of the
cake!
If asked to submit motivations for posts, budget, new buidlings, etc. THINK BIG and plan ahead! Now is the
time to ask for everything you ever wanted (again).
Keep your own house in order! Have your Departmental policies and procedures in place: operational plans,
risk registers, quality improvement plans, clinical procedures/polices, job descriptions etc.
Managers must take responsibility… enough said…
“The largest room in the world is the room for improvement.”
- Unknown -

MAY 2013 NEWSLETTER #11
Testimonials
In 2012, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
identified two paediatric patients who were candidates for high
tech AAC devices.
Patient A is a three year old little boy diagnosed with Cerebral
Palsy. He is a bright inquisitive boy with good cognition but
severe dysarthria. He grasped low tech AAC quickly and it was
felt that he would benefit greatly from a high tech device. In
December of 2012 a ‘Go Talk Express 32’ was donated. Patient A
quickly learnt to use the device. He now communicates
predominantly using the device; his dysarthria has also improved
with the auditory feedback. This high tech AAC device has
allowed patient A to communicate at home, crèche and during
therapy.
Patient N is a 3.7 year old boy who has dystonic cerebral palsy. He is enthusiastic and enjoys interacting with
people. Patient N becomes very frustrated when he is not understood however he “is not a quitter” – as his
mother says.
Patient N started by using low tech AAC devices which he quickly mastered and became evident that his quality
of life would be greatly improved if an AAC device could be donated. The Tobi S32 was donated in December
2012.
Over the past three months, patient N was learning how to use the high tech AAC device and has recently
taken it home to continue with the process in his home environment. During therapy, he shows such
excitement when he is able to express himself and when his message is understood by those around him. It has
truly been a joy to watch.
The AAC Workgroup was developed in 2012 and runs on a monthly
basis. Our aim is to implement AAC assessment clinics allowing
speech therapists access to enriching their patient’s lives by giving
them the power of communication. If you would like to be part of
this process, please email Kathryn at gp.aacworkgroup@gmail.com.
Currently the workgroup consists of representatives from CHBAH,
CMJAH, TMH, Leratong and Pholo Park Clinic.
“I'm a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people
can learn from each other, and how they can achieve the kind of freedoms that they're interested in.”
- Bill Gates -

JUNE 2012 NEWSLETTER #8
MAY 2013 NEWSLETTER #11
It will never happen to me….
We have all been told at some point in our
learning and careers that there is a chance of
being called to court to testify on behalf of a
patient for medico-legal issues. We are advised
to record accurate notes in hospital files because
it "can and will be used against us in a court of
law" but I'm sure each of us has thought:
"It will never happen to me".
Testifying in court became a reality for
Francinah Deane, a Speech Therapist and
Audiologist at Tembisa Hospital. She received a
subpoena to clarify the results of an
audiological exam conducted on an alleged
perpetrator, and to assist lawyers in
communicating the outcome of the case to the
prisoner.
"I was scared when I read the subpoena because
it was my first time and I was not prepared to
comprehend the situation," Deane said when
reflecting on her thoughts after receiving the
summons. "After discussing the case with my
chief, my plan was to go to court and explain
our role, in terms of what we test, what the
results mean, and what the outcomes are for the
patient."
Diagrams and research notes in hand, Deane set
off for the court room. "During the process of
the case, I realised that most of the lawyers
could also not comprehend the difference
between various communication modes that
they could have used. They thought a hearing
loss was something that was temporary. They
needed me to explain that even though the
patient cannot hear, they can still find other
ways of communicating with him."
The preparation and planning Deane chose to
arm herself with made for a successful and
beneficial courtroom experience for all
involved. Reflecting on her experience in the
courtroom, Deane said, "Due to
communicating issues the lawyers and patient
had, there was a possibility of the case being
drawn out over a longer period. As Speech
Therapists, we should consider what is our role
with patients going to court, in terms of
communication skills, how do we advise and
empower the court to communicate with the
people."
As Speech Therapists and Audiologists, those
still studying and those who have been
practicing for years, we can all strive to
educate the public on our role in order to better
serve those who need us.
Electronic Stats
If you still haven’t received the new format
for the electronic stats, please contact
danischles@yahoo.com.
Please visit the SASLHA website for information on some of the hospitals
and clinics in Gauteng. http://www.saslha.co.za/C_ComService.asp

MAY 2013 NEWSLETTER #11
IMPORTANT DATES
6 May: Exco meeting
12 May: International
Nurses Day
3-7 June: Communication
Week
Send your photos and
stories to
chatterboxnewsletter@
gmail.com
Tshwane
Metsweding
Central JHB
Metro
West Rand
Ekhuruleni
South
REGI ONAL
MEETI NGS
Contact Phillipine 012 354 6033/6216
(Tshwane Rehab)
Contact Tilly 011-488 4293 (CMJAH)
(for everyone attending CMJAH CPD program)
Contact Paula 011-411 3526/3737
(Leratong)
Contact Asiya 011-898 8196 (TMH),
Ntsatsi 011-923 2399 / 926 2719
(Tembisa)
Contact Sadna 011-933 9263/4/5/9
(CHBH)
Sedibeng Contact Lucky 073 509 7751
WORKGROUPS
Marketing Contact Helena 012-521 3371/5916
(DGMH)
TB Contact Tanya 011-933 9263/4/5/9
(CHBH)
ABR Contact Karen 011-933 9263/4/5/9
(CHBH) abrworkgroup@gmail.com
EDHI Contact Dani 011-933 9263/4/5/9
(CHBH)
AAC Contact Auriette 011 488 4293
(CMAH) gp.aacworkshop@gmail.com
Comm
Serve
Contact Ntsatsi 011-923 2399 / 926 2719
(Tembisa)
The Marketing Team
Editor: Helena van Heerden
(012) 521-3371/5916
chatterboxnewsletter@gmail.com