Sineziwe Tenza GJ Crookes Hospital PRO

World Sight Day 2026

A long-anticipated milestone was achieved when GJ Crookes District Hospital partnered with Hibiscuss Private Hospital to provide much needed cataract surgery services to the community. The partnership became a reality on the 8 October 2026 in celebration of World Sight Day when 13 patients from GJ Crookes District Hospital successfully underwent a cataract surgery. The procedures were performed by Dr Anele Yako (Opthalmologist & Retinal Surgeon ), Dr. Mzamo Ntuli & Dr. Viyonne Longmore.

Dr. Venetia Kgabo, Medical Manager at GJ Crookes District Hospital explained that the hospital is currently experiencing a significant backlog of patients requiring cataract surgery, with limited resources posing a major challenge. She described the collaboration with Hibiscuss Private Hospital as a significant milestone that demonstrates a commitment to putting patients first by restoring sight, dignity and hope while giving our communities an opportunity to see again. Dr Kgabo further explained that cataract can develop in various ways as some people are born with it ( congenital cataract), while others develop cataract due to genetic predisposition or as part of the natural ageing process.

The selection of patients for surgery was based on those with bileteral cataracts, as they experience the most severe visual impairment. The patients treated ranged from 44 to 91 years old and were all delighted and grateful to receive the opportunity to have their vision restored. All patients that underwent surgery will be reviewed on the 9/10/2026 as vision can be restored by the next day.

GJ Crookes District hospital extends its sincere gratitude to Hibiscuss Private Hospital Management for this valuable collaboration and looks forward to strengthening this partnership to continue restoring sight and improving the quality of life for the communities we serve.

Visit by Chinese Delegation to GJ Crookes Hospital

On 27 August 2026, GJ Crookes Hospital was honoured to host a delegation from China. The purpose of the visit was to observe and gain insight into how South Africa delivers healthcare services. The delegation had visited several healthcare facilities, including McCord Hospital, as part of their learning programme.

The hospital's Medical Manager, Dr V.T. Kgabo, warmly welcomed the delegates and provided a comprehensive overview of GJ Crookes Hospital. She outlined the background of the institution, the package of services offered at a district hospital, and the patient referral pathways within the healthcare system.

The hospital Optometrist, Ms S. Madlala, presented on the Eye Clinic, which currently operates with one optometrist, one medical officer, and one ophthalmic nurse. Despite the staffing challenges faced by the eye clinic, the dedicated team successfully attends to 30–40 patients daily. In addition, outreach programmes are conducted every Friday to ensure continuity of care for patients living in remote and underserved areas.

The GJ Crookes Eye Clinic provides bifocal vision and single vision spectacles. Despite not having a full-time ophthalmologist,the hospital also conducts cataract camps, during which 60–100 cataract surgeries are performed in a booked week. Due to the high backlog of cataract cases, the hospital has partnered with Hibiscuss private hospital to assist in reducing waiting lists and restoring vision for patients requiring surgery.

The delegates actively participated in the discussion by asking several questions related to eye care services. One of the questions focused on whether spectacles are provided free of charge to all patients. It was explained that the hospital has a contract with a private company that manufactures spectacles. Pensioners receive spectacles free of charge, while employed patients pay a subsidised fee, with the government covering a portion of the cost.

Scottburgh Clinic Participates in Synchronised Breastfeeding Awareness with Education, Inspiration and Fun

Scottburgh Clinic hosted a Breastfeeding Awareness session where mothers were educated on the importance of breastfeeding, recognising baby feeding cues, and the benefits of breast milk for healthy growth and development.

Dietitians Lwazi Fakude and Taylin Meuwese from GJ Crookes Hospital, together with Sinethemba Adonis from the District Health Office, shared valuable breastfeeding information. Lwazi Fakude also shared her personal breastfeeding journey, while Lethokuhle Mzobe inspired mothers by sharing her experience of expressing (pumping) breast milk for her baby.

The session included a breastfeeding break, an exciting Breastfeeding Bingo activity, prizes for three mothers, and gifts and fruit for all attendees.

A day filled with learning, support and encouragement for mothers on their breastfeeding journeys.

Today:13/05/2026, GJ Crookes Hospital celebrated International Nurses Day under the theme 'Empowered Nurses Save Lives'. The celebration was a meaningful reminder of the important role nurses play in the Healthcare system and in the lives of the patients they care for.

The event was filled with encouragement, motivation, laughter and appreciation as the selfless individuals who work tirelessly to provide quality care with dignity were honored. Nurses were reminded to remain proud of the work they do, because nursing is not just a profession, It is a calling and ministry. The nurses were encouraged to remain resilient in the face of workplace challenges and to continue striving for excellence despite difficulties within the healthcare environment. The guests were kept entertained by the programme director Mr. Simphiwe Lizwi Shembe and Ms Brenda Gwala.

The celebration concluded with a touching candlelight ceremony, where nurses proudly recited their pledge and recommitted themselves to providing professional and quality nursing care.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day successful, event organizers, programme director, speakers, sponsors and all staff members who made the celebration memorable.

Nurses Save Lives Nurses, Our Future # Nurses Day Celebration

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