South Africa :Philips Showcases Results of Healthcare Pilot Project With Tygerberg Hospital

Press Release:
Royal Philips Electronics  today announced the successful outcome of Philips’ pilot project at the Tygerberg Hospital.The pilot, launched in 2012, shows promising results in reducing maternal and infant mortality and improving maternal health and reiterates Philips’ commitment to the Millennium Development Goals 4 & 5.
The Tygerberg Hospital project is one of several programs within Philips’ Fabric of Africa initiative focusing on the development of Primary Healthcare solutions throughout Africa and fostering public-private partnerships, including partnerships with the Health Foundation and University of Stellenbosch. The results of the pilot[1] were announced on the eve of Philips’ fourth consecutive pan-African Cape Town to Cairo roadshow which kicks-off from Cape Town on 14th May.
The roadshow is instrumental in raising awareness on how Philips’ healthcare and lighting solutions can enhance life in Africa.
Philips and Tygerberg Hospital EmONC pilot project reduces maternal and neonatal mortality
In May 2012, Philips and Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town initiated a pilot project; the main objective of the project was to increase capacity to manage high risk pregnancies and complications in the Obstetric Critical Care Unit (OCCU) and to improve the turnover in the maternity department. Philips customized an Emergency Obstetric Newborn Care Unit (EmONC) solution, consisting of appropriate technology (patient monitoring solutions), training, continuous education and maintenance.
“The results of the pilot at Tygerberg have been extremely positive” states Dr Eduard Langenegger, Head of the Obstetric Critical Care Unit at Tygerberg Hospital. During 2012 more than 800 mothers were admitted in the step down unit; of the 800, 535 were included in the EmONC-trial.
The result of the pilot project shows a decreased mortality rate from 6% to 0% in 8 weeks and this significant reduction has remained constant during the full year of the project. “Together with Philips, we have tested a blue-print of the ideal obstetric critical care unit for all levels of hospitals in South Africa. With the capability of transferring patients that are stable, but still in need of continuous monitoring to the Acute postnatal step-down unit. We hope that this project can be continued and serve as a template for other hospitals in Southern Africa.”
The Tygerberg Hospital maternity department has also managed to create a smoother patient flow, with a decrease in the length of stay per patient. In 2012, 70 additional patients could be accommodated compared to 2011, due to the now faster turnaround times. Philips has now finished the initial phase of the project and is about to start phase two – wherein the Philips clinical consulting team will establish a two bed EMOC at a level two hospital. This will act as a referral hospital which feeds into Tygerberg Hospital.
Improving rural healthcare facilities across Africa
According to the Philips Fabric of Africa Trends Report, women in Africa are at significant risk of premature death, with particularly high mortality rates recorded in pregnancy. With a presence in Africa for over 100 years, Philips has a unique understanding of the complexities of its diverse healthcare environments and a wealth of experience delivering innovative healthcare solutions to address local needs.
Peter van de Ven, General Manager, Philips Healthcare Africa: “Philips delivers comprehensive mother and child healthcare solutions covering the full continuum of care from pre-conception to delivery. Together with our local partners we are reducing boundaries in healthcare delivery in Africa. By providing infrastructure to facilitate remote and mobile diagnosis, we make healthcare accessible in areas where it is needed most.”
Philips partners with Health Foundation and University of Stellenbosch
As part of its efforts to improve rural healthcare, Philips is working with several partners who share the same vision for improving healthcare in Africa. Philips is the first company to recently join as a founding partner of the newly established Health Foundation; a Western Cape based independent non-profit organization that assists in ensuring better access to quality healthcare through public-private partnerships.
Philips is also collaborating on research work with the University of Stellenbosch; Philips is sponsoring research work of 2 Masters Students in the Biomedical Engineering Research Group to develop a Dehydration Sensor for Neonates. This research project, funded by Philips will run for 2 years; the outcome is expected to contribute to the development of a unique healthcare innovation designed to address local needs.