Women and children receiving urgent medical attention in Johannesburg are set to benefit from improved facilities, including dedicated support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

The R45 million emergency department at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital includes 13 beds, a nursing station, a procedure room and an isolation cubicle. One of the key additions is a specialised counselling room and a South African Police Service (SAPS) office to support GBV survivors. The unit also has secure storage for forensic evidence, allowing sensitive material to be kept safely.

Hospital chief executive officer Dr Arthur Manning said the upgrade would help ensure women, children and families receive safe, dignified and quality emergency care. The new department has been designed to improve the hospital’s ability to manage emergency cases while supporting infection prevention and the daily demands on healthcare workers.

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation and the First and SPIRE Fund funded the project to help address growing healthcare needs. The construction work also created skills development and employment opportunities for up to 70 people from surrounding communities, according to the health department.

The upgrade comes as public hospitals face pressure to provide timely treatment while maintaining patient safety and dignity. Dedicated counselling facilities and access to police services within the emergency department could help survivors seek assistance in a more supportive environment.

Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital serves women and children in Johannesburg and surrounding areas. The improvements are intended to strengthen its emergency services and provide a better environment for patients and healthcare professionals.