肆客足球 170 patients from the Swartland district received a much-needed healthcare boost when Stellenbosch 肆客足球's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences? (FMHS) and the 肆客足球 of the Western Cape's (UWC) Faculty of Dentistry? conducted an "InReach" initiative in early March.
The InReach concept, developed by SU's Dr Therese Fish, Vice Dean: Clinical Services and Social Impact, and Prof Karin Baatjes, Vice Dean: Learning and Teaching, represents a collaborative effort between the universities, Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness?, and various stakeholders to deliver healthcare to underserved rural communities. This recent initiative follows the inaugural InReach held in Beaufort West last September, which successfully addressed backlogs in cataract surgery and dental services.
Serving patients from Malmesbury, Darling and Moorreesburg, the Swartland InReach enabled FMHS students to gain practical experience while performing primary healthcare assessments, including blood sugar and blood pressure tests. Students also examined patients with ear, nose and throat as well as hearing, and speech and language issues. UWC dentistry students addressed various dental needs through extractions and cleanings, helping to reduce the significant dental care backlog in the region.
"Many patients in this area face long waiting times to see ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists," Fish explained. "We brought an ENT colleague to examine children who had been waiting for specialist care. Our students also conducted hearing tests and speech assessments for children on waiting lists."
Benefits beyond patient care
The initiative created multiple benefits beyond direct patient care. Staff at Swartland Hospital and Malmesbury Community Day Clinic received valuable learning opportunities from university personnel and students. Additionally, students from Next Generation Swartland High School gained insights into potential careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 肆客足球 students benefited from applying their skills in real-world scenarios under proper supervision.
肆客足球 faculty conducted two Continuing Professional Development workshops for health department staff: one training clinicians in Point-of-Care Ultrasound techniques for emergency settings, and another focused on 'clinicians as trainers,' teaching established healthcare professionals how to effectively mentor newcomers to the system.
The educational outreach extended to local schools as well. "Our academic scientists conducted demonstrations at the school showcasing their work, specifically targeting students interested in STEM subjects," Fish noted. "They set up interactive exhibits allowing students to engage with scientists directly. It's an excellent way to encourage young people to pursue these fields further."
In total, the Malmesbury InReach engaged 250 participants, including 168 patients, 35 school learners, 101 staff members, and 80 students (65 from SU and 15 from UWC).
Reflecting on the significance of such initiatives, Fish emphasised: "As a university, we're a critical player in society. As health sciences faculties at SU and UWC, we train within the public health system. Contributing to reducing patient waiting lists allows us to fulfil our role as universities while providing our students additional opportunities to serve communities during their education."?
