A way of life

Life Eugene Marais Hospital is a member of Life Healthcare, one of the largest private hospital groups in South Africa, operating 63 acute care facilities across the country.

Life Healthcare is recognised throughout the health industry for its high calibre healthcare professionals and excellent facilities.

We believe delivery of world class healthcare is achieved through a combination of unparalleled quality and clinical excellence; along with a true focus on the personal needs of our patients and their families.

Every day we subscribe to the core values of the Life Healthcare group, while individually striving to continually improve facilities, standards and technology.

At Life Eugene Marais Hospital our priority is to focus on the delivery of a special brand of health and care to patients. Within a world class hospital, this unique approach is what makes the difference and helps us to maintain our position as one of the top hospitals in the country.

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Our team

At Life Eugene Marais Hospital we understand that we have a responsibility to meet the expectations of those who are entrusted to our care as well as the expectations of their loved ones.

This realisation enables us to ensure that we focus on an experience of care for everybody who visits or is admitted to one of our hospitals or healthcare facilities.

All Life Eugene Marais Hospital staff participate in ongoing quality training ‘Q to the power of e’. Here we each come to appreciate the importance of quality in delivery of service and to embrace caring principles of empathy, ethics, excellence, energy and empowerment.

Results of ongoing patient satisfaction surveys tell us that a stay at Life Eugene Marais Hospital reflects the high standards of health and care we set out to deliver.

The care delivered at Life Eugene Marais Hospital extends into the community.

Our employees at all levels actively participate in community initiatives to improve the quality of life in surrounding areas.

Our facilities

Everything we do is focused on delivery of high quality treatment and unique standards of care - whether for routine, more serious or extensive procedures. Our sophisticated facilities include:

• 364 beds and 14 theatres
• A fully integrated cardiac unit including a cardiac catheterisation facility with sophisticated x-ray, monitoring facilities and cardiac theatres
• A 12 bed cardiac and cardiothoracic intensive care unit
• A 6 bed cardiac and cardiothoracic high care unit
• The hospital is well known for its neuro and orthopaedic surgery with state-of-the-art equipment
• A neuro-spinal rehabilitation unit
• A radiology facility, with a comprehensive range of sophisticated diagnostic equipment including a CT scanner and MRI
• A 12 bed maternity unit with well-appointed wards and video security facilities
• A 6 bed neonatal intensive care unit complete with state-of-the-art monitoring and life support equipment providing the best possible environment for our smallest patients
• A 24-hour trauma and emergency unit. This level one unit is manned by general surgeons 24x7x365 and supported around the clock by resident specialists
• A 15 bed general intensive care unit
• A 20 bed high care unit
• A hyperbaric oxygen unit
• A renal dialysis unit

Medical and surgical disciplines

• Cardiac & thoracic surgery
• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• Dentistry
• ENT
• General practice
• General surgery
• Maxillo-Facial surgery
• Medical oncology
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Nuclear medicine
• Obstetrics and gynaecology
• Orthopaedic surgery
• Paediatrics
• Pathology
• Physicians
• Plastic surgery
• Psychiatry
• Radiology
• Nuclear medicine
• Rheumatology
• Urology
• Vascular surgery

Ancillary services:

• Biokinetics
• Dietetics
• Hyperbaric oxygen unit
• Occupational therapy
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy

Specialist facilities

Cardiac facilities and services
The Cardiac Centre at Life Eugene Marais Hospital, is a unique, integrated, self-contained unit. The unit consists of cardiologists, physicians and technologists, a dedicated cardiac ward, cardiac high care ward, coronary care unit and cardiac surgical intensive care unit, with a state of the art cardiac catheterisation laboratory and surgical theatre.

The Cardiac unit focuses on all aspects of cardiology and cardio thoracic surgery from prevention and diagnosis, to treatment and rehabilitation of cardiac patients.

The standard of diagnostic, interventional cardiology, pacemaker and cardiac surgery is comparable with the highest international standards. This has been achieved through a team of caring, highly trained cardiac nursing staff, technologists, physiotherapists and experienced, internationally trained medical doctors.

Services

At Life Eugene Marais hospital, the following services are available:

• Angiograms
• Cardiac catheterisation procedures
  • Coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
  • Implantation of stents
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Implantation of artificial heart valves
• Implantation of pacemakers

Facilities

• Hospital care in private or semi private wards
• Critical care and surgical critical care units
• 24 hour emergency unit with helicopter landing pad
• Cardiac catheterisation laboratory
• Cardiac theatre
• Integrated cardiac ICU, high care and cardiac general ward
• Radiology unit including CT scanner

Support services and facilities

• Health awareness programmes
• Rehabilitation programmes
• Dietetics
• Occupational therapy
• Patient and family counselling
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Support Groups

Maternity facilities
Life Eugene Marais` maternity team is dedicated to the well-being, health and comfort of mother and child, before, during and after birth. Specialists, paediatricians, midwives and professional nurses provide around-the-clock care, support and guidance on all aspects of pregnancy, birth, motherhood and parenting.

Little Life facilities

• A 12 bed maternity unit with secured access to ensure the safety of your baby. Accommodation is provided in private and semi-private rooms as well as in four bed general wards.
• A six bed neonatal intensive care unit with state-of-the-art monitoring and life support equipment for premature and full term babies requiring special care.

Little Life services

Through the following services, our goal is to provide a holistic experience for the mother and her baby:

• Birth preparation classes - evening courses for mothers and fathers
• Maternity facilities - a fully equipped maternity unit with medical care and personal attention ensuring a confident new mother on discharge.
• 4D sonar scan - free to mothers who have their baby at Life Eugene Marais Hospital
• Neonatal intensive care unit, fully equipped to care for babies with special needs

Birth Preparation at Life Eugene Marais Hospital

Our Birth Preparation Classes are devised and run by experienced midwives at Eugene Marais Hospital for expectant mothers and their partners. These classes:

• help new parents anticipate what will happen during labour and birth
• equip parents to deal positively with the changes that will take place in their lives and homes once their new baby has arrived
• educate mothers and their partners thus providing a better understanding of pregnancy
• introduce parents to the joys and demands of life as a new family.

Birth Preparation Classes cover pregnancy and early parenting topics including understanding pregnancy, normal labour and birth, assisted delivery and practical advice, the newborn baby, bathing baby, CPR and breastfeeding.

Birth preparation classes commence at about 26 - 32 weeks into the pregnancy. To ensure a place, bookings for Birth Preparation Classes should be made early when expectant mothers are 12 to 16 weeks pregnant.

4 D Sonar Scan

Our maternity unit offers a free 4D sonar scan to all mothers who have their baby at Life Eugene Marais Hospital. You should book your 4D scan when you book your confinement or when you come in for preadmission.

The optimal time for a scan is 29 - 34 weeks but it can be done at any time after 25 weeks.

Booking

Payment of your deposit must be made at the time of your booking. Please contact our pre-admission clinic or reception for details of the deposit required.

The birth of a baby is one of the most significant life experiences for a woman and her partner. At Eugene Marais Hospital, the best medical care and personal attention ensures that this event is memorable, enjoyable and as trouble free as possible.

Top gynaecologists and paediatricians based at Eugene Marais Hospital ensure that a mother and her baby remain in good health throughout pregnancy, during labour and after birth.

In addition, Eugene Marais Hospital is home to the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment, including a special Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for special-needs babies.

We want to make sure that you and your baby`s stay with us is as comfortable and relaxing as possible. We assure you right from the outset, our staff will help you in every way to enjoy this wonderful experience. To help you feel more confident about the delivery of your baby, we invite you to visit Maternity at Eugene Marais any day between 14h00 and 15h00 to meet our friendly, professional nursing staff prior to your baby`s anticipated date of arrival. We`ll gladly show you and your partner the accommodation and facilities. New fathers and other siblings often benefit from the orientation visit too.

For your own peace of mind, please check with your medical aid regarding the benefits available for your confinement. We look forward to your stay with us and congratulate you on your pregnancy.

Preadmission Clinic

In order to speed up the admission process, we request you attend our Preadmission Clinic, on the ground floor, (open Monday to Friday between 08h00 and 16h00) from 30 weeks into your pregnancy, in order to complete the necessary documentation for your forthcoming admission. We need copies of the ID`s both parents.

If your Medical aid requires a preauthorisation number, please bring this with you too.

Choosing your accommodation

Maternity at Life Eugene Marais offers a selection of maternity wards, including 4-bed general wards, 2-bed semi-private wards and single bed private wards. Please check with your medical aid to ascertain the benefits available to you. Each ward has a colour television and M-net to help you relax and a nurse paging system.

Special dietary requirements?

Should you require a special diet, please notify the hospital.

In Preparation

It is a good idea to pack for your stay at Maternity at Eugene Marais well before the baby is due so that everything is ready when labour begins.

For yourself

At least two feeding bras, dressing gown and front fastening nightdresses for breast feeding, beast pads and toiletries. It is preferable not to bring jewellery, large sums of money (there is an autoteller) or high value items such as cell phones.

For baby

A set of clothes for going home in and a receiving blanket.

How far is Eugene Marais Hospital from home?

A trial run to the hospital should be taken to measure the distance and time that it will take to reach the hospital.

Visiting Hours

Although the rest of Life Eugene Marais Hospital has an open visiting policy, visiting in our maternity unit is restricted to allow new mothers to rest and feed on demand and for infection control purposes.

In the general and semi-private wards visitors are restricted to 2 per bed. Please advise your friends and family prior to the birth of the baby to avoid misunderstandings.

Baby`s father is welcome to at any time between 09h00 and 20h30 but a rest period between 13h00 and 14h00 is recommended.

No children under the age of 12 (apart from siblings) may visit in the maternity unit .

Security for mother and baby

Restricted visiting also helps our staff to ensure your baby`s security, as unidentified visitors are not permitted into the ward out of designated visiting times.

For your baby`s safety and for your peace of mind, the nursery door is locked at all times.

Blood to Blood Bank

Certain medical aids do not cover the transportation of blood to Blood bank. Should your baby`s blood require testing and your medical aid does not cover this service, the fee will be deducted from your booking deposit.

We are looking forward to having you with us. Please don`t hesitate to contact us should you need further information.

Life Rehabilitation
Life Rehabilitation has opened an upgraded neurological rehabilitation unit at Life Eugene Marais Hospital and a new specialist stroke rehabilitation unit at Life Little Company of Mary, both of these in Tshwane.

Life Eugene Marais Hospital is well known for its services in spinal rehabilitation. The spinal unit, which was established some 12 years ago, is now double its size with a new gym, therapy area, dining areas, an outdoor treatment and relaxation space, decor upgrades and new equipment. The upgraded unit forms part of a programme to develop our existing units as benchmarks of excellence and utilise the expertise that has been gained over the years.

For more information please contact Janet.swarts@lifehealthcare.co.za.

Supporting doctors

The telephone details of the specialists have been listed below and have been categorized in accordance to their specialty. They are contactable Monday to Friday, between 09:00 and 17:00.

It is preferred practice to be referred by your general practitioner on making an appointment with a specialist.

Patient and visitor information

In order to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and uncomplicated as possible hereunder follows information that my be of assistance.

Accommodation

Accommodation at our hospital is extensive and includes:

General wards:

• Private, semi-private and four bed rooms.
• Private rooms have en suite bathrooms, TV`s.
• Patients order meals from a menu.

Paediatric ward:

• 35 bed ward and play area with TV & toys.
• Video controlled security doors to ensure the safety and security of young patients.

Admission

By following a few simple guidelines the admission process can be speeded up and become less complicated.

• Medical aid patients should check with their medical aid / scheme prior to admission to obtain pre-authorisation, if deemed necessary by the medical aid / scheme.
• Patients will be required to present their medical aid card and identity document on admission.
  Persons under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Patients should bring along any relevant medical items such as x-rays, letters from their doctor, current medication being taken etc.
• Patients will need to bring an overnight bag containing sleepwear, dressing gown, slippers and basic toiletries. Patients are kindly requested to leave jewellery, large sums of money, other valuables or firearms at home.
• Mothers or fathers whose children are admitted as patients and who wish to stay with their children at all times, including overnight, can do so by registering as a bed boarder. This service includes meals and refreshments.
• Also refer to the “Tariffs” and “Discharge” sections below, for more information on prepayment and payment procedures.

Cell phones, radios and CD players

In the interest of other patients, personal radios, and CD players are not allowed in the wards unless being used with headphones.

We recommend that you do not bring cell phones to the hospital, but should you do so these may not be used in general wards by patients or visitors. Should you wish to make use of our security safe to secure your cell phone until discharge, kindly ask the receptionist on admission or the unit manager or ward secretary.

Coffee shop

Life Eugene Marais Café is situated on the ground floor and is open from 07h30 to 20h00, every day of the week.

Discharge

On leaving, do not forget to collect your medication and x-rays. You will be given a yellow discharge card to hand in at the reception desk in the foyer as you leave. When you hand this in, your account ceases to accumulate costs.

Day patients undergoing surgery under anaesthesia should arrange for transport from hospital - it is illegal to drive for 24 hours following anaesthesia.

Finances

Medical aid patients, please note that whilst every effort is made to obtain payment from your medical aid on your behalf, the responsibility of the payment for services rendered is yours. Any items not covered by your medical aid must be settled by yourself. i.e. ward requests, telephone calls, pharmacy scripts, levies, etc.

Private patients will be required to pay a deposit based on the estimated total of the hospital bill. The balance must be settled on discharge. Credit cards are accepted. (Mastercard and Visa). Should you wish to discuss any of this further, please contact our Credit Controller who will gladly assist you.

Services provided by GP’s, specialists, anaesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists, physiotherapy, and other healthcare professionals are not included in the hospital bill and will be charged separately.

Patient meals

Good nutrition is an important part of hospital care and we trust you will enjoy your meals while you are here. Our menu has been carefully planned to ensure that the meals you eat during your hospital stay are both enjoyable and healthy. The emphasis is on meals that are low in fat, especially saturated fat, and high in fibre. This type of diet is recommended for general health and for the prevention of certain diseases such as heart disease and cancer. A cardiac diet is offered in the Heart Centre. Our kitchen is halaal certified.

Pre-Admission

A pre-admission should be carried out at least 48 hours prior to admission in order to be able to identify any possible health risks and to provide information regarding admission, thus speeding up the admission process. Pre-admission forms are available from your doctor’s rooms or the hospital’s reception department. After completion of the pre-admission form it can either be faxed to the hospital to (012) 334 2574 prior to hospitalisation or handed in personally at the pre-admission clinic. On receipt of the faxed pre-admission form, a telephonic assessment regarding health problems and needs will be carried out by the nursing personnel at the pre-admission clinic. When visiting the pre-admission in person, a clinical assessment will be done.

Public Relations Officer (PRO)

Our public relations officer, Mrs Amber Brown serves as a link between the hospital, patients, doctors and staff. Should you need any assistance please ask for her at the reception desk of our hospital.

Should you be from out of town the PRO and reception desk both have a list of accommodation near the hospital for family members.

Service monitoring

In keeping with our goal to continue providing high quality customer care, we monitor our service on an ongoing basis. Customer satisfaction is measured, in every department, during hospitalization, by using a customer friendly electronic system. Participation is voluntary. This information is utilized to assist hospital management in addressing any problems that may be identified, thereby allowing us to improve our service.

To further ensure the satisfaction of our clients a Customer Care Team is available around the clock. They render physical, social and psychological support to patients, whilst at the same time address complaints and/or problems that may arise.

For further enquiries pleas contact Marie Smuts at tel no 012 334 2607 or marie.smuts@lifehealthcare.co.za.

Smoking

For obvious reasons smoking is not allowed in any part of the hospital. A designated smoking area is provided on the 2nd floor and in the outside pause areas at the front and rear of the hospital.

Surgical and theatre patients

Unless otherwise stated by your doctor, do not eat or drink anything for at least six hours prior to admission.

If you have a cold, fever, rash or if you are simply not feeling well, contact your doctor immediately as he or she may need to postpone your operation.

Please note that the time you are asked to report to the hospital will differ from the time at which your operation actually takes place. This is done to facilitate the time allocation for the theatres as well as to accommodate emergencies and variances, which occur from time to time. Please prepare yourself for a waiting period and bring reading material or something to keep yourself occupied.

Valuables

We encourage you not to bring valuables (e.g. cell phones, jewellery, large amounts of money) to the hospital, but should you do so, we recommend that you make use of our security safe for those items you may wish to put away. Whilst every effort is made to protect patients` belongings, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may occur. Should you wish to make use of our security safe, kindly ask the receptionist on admission or the unit manager or ward secretary. A receipt will be issued accordingly.

Visitor Information

We welcome visitors, as we know what a difference the support of close family and friends can make. In terms of this, and bearing in mind the rest that all patients require, we would prefer that visitors visit their loved ones only at certain designated times these are:

General Wards:
• 15:00 - 16:00
• 19:00 - 20:00

Children`s wards:
• 10:00 - 12:00
• 14:00 - 20:00

Maternity Unit
• 08:00 - 12:00
• 15:00 - 20:00

Neonatal Intensive Care unit
• 10:30 – 11:00
• 15:30 – 16:00
• 19:00 – 19:30

Intensive care and high care units
• 15:30 – 16:00
• 19:30 – 20:00

Rehabilitation unit
• 16:00 - 20:00

Further to this, there are other rules that apply in terms of visiting and they are:

• Visitors are restricted to three per patient at one time. Children are welcome provided that they have adult supervision.
• In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), we only allow two family members per patient.
• In the High Care wards, two visitors per patient are allowed.