The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness received four awards at this year’s Western Cape Government Service Excellence Awards, hosted by the Office of the Premier, which recognise service excellence across the provincial government.

The department secured two Gold Awards and two Silver Awards.

Gold Award: Protecting HIV services after USAID withdrawal

When the sudden withdrawal of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding threatened essential HIV services in the province the department faced the loss of approximately R407,5 million in donor support and 882 donor-funded posts.

A Provincial Health Systems Strengthening Task Team brought colleagues from across the health system to develop a coordinated response, prioritising continuity of care for patients while strengthening existing provincial systems to provide more sustainable services.

The response included digitising HIV and TB information systems, expanding six-month medicine dispensing for eligible patients, introducing electronic prescribing pathways and strengthening clinician-led HIV testing during routine consultations, the department said.

Gold Award: Innovation in eye care at Groote Schuur Hospital

At Groote Schuur Hospital, an innovative project initiated by Dr Jonathan Timothy Oettlé in 2023 has transformed how patients with serious eye conditions access specialised treatment.

Recognising the high cost and limited availability of a commercially supplied amniotic membrane, Oettlé established an in-house amniotic membrane-transplant service. The amniotic membrane promotes healing of the eye’s surface in patients with complex ophthalmic conditions.

Silver Award: Khulisa Care Project supports vulnerable mothers

The Khulisa Care Project connects vulnerable mothers to health-care services, community-health workers, nutrition assistance and social support during pregnancy and the critical first 1 000 days of life.

Through a collaborative approach the project has enrolled 2 411 vulnerable pregnant women and mothers, providing access to nutritious food through monthly vouchers, household support and referrals to essential health and social services.

Silver Award: Compassionate nursing leadership at Tygerberg Hospital

Since joining Ward G4 at Tygerberg Hospital in March 2025 Operational Manager Katherine Barry has introduced several initiatives to strengthen patient safety, clinical governance, staff development and continuity of care.

Among these is Back to the Floor Friday, where she works alongside different shifts to identify opportunities for improvement and support staff in addressing challenges. Her Thursday Tea with Parents initiative creates space for families of long-stay patients to share their experiences, receive support and become more involved in their loved ones’ care, the department said.

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