{"id":18873,"date":"2025-07-29T10:29:44","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T08:29:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=18873"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:09:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:09:41","slug":"smart-hospitals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/smart-hospitals\/","title":{"rendered":"Smart Hospitals: How Gauteng\u2019s Digitisation Project Is Revolutionising Healthcare"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#who-is-behind-gautengs-digital-healthcare-revoluti\" data-level=\"2\">Who Is Behind Gauteng\u2019s Digital Healthcare Revolution?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-does-the-digitisation-project-entail\" data-level=\"2\">What Does the Digitisation Project Entail?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#where-is-the-project-being-rolled-out\" data-level=\"2\">Where Is the Project Being Rolled Out?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#when-did-this-initiative-begin-and-what-are-its-mi\" data-level=\"2\">When Did This Initiative Begin, and What Are Its Milestones?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why-does-healthcare-need-digitisation\" data-level=\"2\">Why Does Healthcare Need Digitisation?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-does-technology-enhance-hospital-efficiency\" data-level=\"2\">How Does Technology Enhance Hospital Efficiency?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#who-benefits-most-from-this-digital-shift\" data-level=\"2\">Who Benefits Most from This Digital Shift?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-challenges-does-the-digitisation-encounter\" data-level=\"2\">What Challenges Does the Digitisation Encounter?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-are-healthcare-workers-adapting\" data-level=\"2\">How Are Healthcare Workers Adapting?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-is-the-long-term-vision-for-gautengs-hospital\" data-level=\"2\">What Is the Long-Term Vision for Gauteng\u2019s Hospitals?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Hospitals in Gauteng are going through a big change that will improve healthcare for everyone. Recently, the province started an important digitisation project to turn millions of paper patient files into safe digital records. This change helps patients, doctors, and the entire health system by making medical information easier to access, faster to use, and more accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ALSO READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/chris-hani-baragwanath\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chris Hani Baragwanath Leads Gauteng\u2019s Digital Medical File Overhaul<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-is-behind-gautengs-digital-healthcare-revoluti\">Who Is Behind Gauteng\u2019s Digital Healthcare Revolution?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gauteng Department of Health spearheads this digitisation effort as part of its broader smart health system strategy. MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, champions the project passionately. She stresses, \u201cDigitising patient files restores dignity by ensuring medical information is accessible, secure, and reliable.\u201d Partnering with technology firms like Mint Group, the government also involves local youth, creating jobs and building capacity throughout the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2722324313\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-does-the-digitisation-project-entail\">What Does the Digitisation Project Entail?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ambitious project targets converting over 800 million pages of paper-based files into digital formats. By May 2024, more than 42 million pages were digitised, with thousands of patient files safely stored on cloud servers. This central repository allows quick, authorised access to vital medical history, accelerating clinical decisions and enhancing treatment quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where-is-the-project-being-rolled-out\">Where Is the Project Being Rolled Out?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting at flagship sites like Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, the digitisation has expanded across Gauteng\u2019s hospitals. Facilities such as Thelle Mogoerane, Tembisa Provincial Tertiary, and Steve Biko Academic Hospitals now participate. The plan covers 37 hospitals province-wide within three years, focusing on equitable, widespread healthcare improvements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3732187662\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when-did-this-initiative-begin-and-what-are-its-mi\">When Did This Initiative Begin, and What Are Its Milestones?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The digitisation project officially started in mid-2024 and moves swiftly through phased implementation. Key milestones include initial file conversion, staff training, technology deployment, and ongoing data security reinforcement. The project aims to complete digitisation by 2027, creating a fully integrated smart hospital network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-does-healthcare-need-digitisation\">Why Does Healthcare Need Digitisation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Paper records often cause errors, delays, and loss of critical information, negatively affecting care. Digitisation improves data accuracy, speeds up diagnosis and treatment, and secures confidential patient information. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko remarks, \u201cDigitisation is not just progress; it saves lives by providing healthcare workers with instant data they can trust.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NOW READ: <a href=\"https:\/\/gauteng.news\/2025\/06\/02\/over-34-000-patients-await-surgery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Over 34 000 Patients Await Surgery in Gauteng Public Hospitals Despite Drop in Waiting Times<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2845291677\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-technology-enhance-hospital-efficiency\">How Does Technology Enhance Hospital Efficiency?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The digital system connects with Gauteng\u2019s Health Information System to integrate queues, appointments, and radiology services seamlessly. This reduces patient wait times and overcrowding. Carel du Toit, CEO of Mint Group, explains, \u201cDigital data allows us to apply AI tools for better health trend insights, enabling proactive care and resource optimisation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"who-benefits-most-from-this-digital-shift\">Who Benefits Most from This Digital Shift?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Patients enjoy faster access to their medical histories, smoother check-ups, and tailored treatment plans. Healthcare staff benefit from streamlined workflows, reduced paperwork, and reliable data for decision-making. The community gains through new employment opportunities and improved healthcare infrastructure, fostering social upliftment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1178289835\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-challenges-does-the-digitisation-encounter\">What Challenges Does the Digitisation Encounter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Security remains paramount, with risks of cyberattacks and data breaches. Gauteng\u2019s IT teams use rigorous encryption, multi-factor authentication, and staff training to mitigate threats. MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko stresses, \u201cWe prioritise patient confidentiality while delivering efficient services.\u201d Other hurdles include ensuring consistent internet connectivity and maintaining user-friendly systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-are-healthcare-workers-adapting\">How Are Healthcare Workers Adapting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Comprehensive training programs equip medical personnel with skills to navigate digital records efficiently. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.za\/news\/media-advisories\/gauteng-health-embarked-digitisation-patient-files-17-may-2024\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Department facilitates workshops<\/a> and ongoing support to ease the transition. Nurses and doctors praise the system: \u201cAccessing patient data instantly helps us provide quicker and more accurate care,\u201d shares one clinician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-723445876\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-the-long-term-vision-for-gautengs-hospital\">What Is the Long-Term Vision for Gauteng\u2019s Hospitals?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.itweb.co.za\/article\/chris-hani-baragwanath-academic-hospital-embarks-on-groundbreaking-digital-transformation-project\/DZQ58vV8GONMzXy2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The vision is to create fully smart hospitals<\/a>, combining digital records with telemedicine, AI diagnostics, and data-driven public health strategies. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko highlights, \u201cThis is a foundation for future-ready healthcare that respects patient dignity and meets growing demands.\u201d Gauteng aspires to become a model for digital health innovation in Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Gauteng Health digitises patient files\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UCM1s0zs44M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?sa=X&amp;sca_esv=e948bafec9f39f8c&amp;sxsrf=AE3TifMR5kqipG0O0fQ8PSO93vjhr5l-Cg:1753777541719&amp;udm=7&amp;fbs=AIIjpHxU7SXXniUZfeShr2fp4giZrjP_Cx0LI1Ytb_FGcOviEiTm5uW1q0uNfK7KsnoL8hUyUYUJLZ_b-p0lT09DIkR7bwzZ58goNnPFwCobO9Lr1FJy27_ddIL61O5aDZqsFHeKdbTBa3SWM9BbE6jpBPGlXzcFCH1KrIQ9yHBjyi-ZLJUInBy54epU8g3fHyjXolCFfseHfRcNjgYhOadYKw2rr0vq-A&amp;q=Smart+Hospitals:+How+Gauteng%E2%80%99s+Digitisation+Project+Is+Revolutionising+Healthcare&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfsI670uGOAxUmVEEAHW9ILzsQtKgLegQIEhAB&amp;biw=1415&amp;bih=621&amp;dpr=1#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:590cec4c,vid:UCM1s0zs44M,st:0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore how Gauteng\u2019s digitisation project transforms healthcare with smart hospitals and digital records.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":18878,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Explore how Gauteng\u2019s digitisation project transforms healthcare with smart hospitals and digital records.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[2179,2291],"class_list":{"0":"post-18873","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-department-of-health","9":"tag-healthcare"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18873"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18882,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18873\/revisions\/18882"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18878"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18873"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}