And just like that, we're in the final quarter of our 2023 financial year; and I hope as you read this column, I find you all in good health and good spirits.
In this final quarter, we reflected on Madiba’s unwavering dedication to take action. This led me to think about the importance of taking action in our role as leaders. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing environments, it is crucial that we do not remain stagnant but instead embrace a proactive approach. Taking action means being alert to emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities within our field, and responding swiftly and decisively.
I am proud of the way you have all prided yourselves in your ability to adapt and innovate. However, to stay at the forefront of our industry, we must continue to push the boundaries and strive for excellence. This requires not only identifying areas of improvement but also implementing the necessary solutions and “taking action.” In the face of adversity, it is easy to succumb to complacency or uncertainty. However, true leaders rise to the occasion and confront challenges head-on, and I see this so often in this business where our people respond so compassionately and with a commitment to crisis after crisis not just at our own sites but at neighbouring sites as well.
Let’s continue to seize the opportunities and lead by example, inspiring others, and shaping the future of occupational health and employee wellness.
So, whether it is how you deliver care, present, speak to a client, or welcome a visitor or patient at a clinic – remember every action counts toward making a meaningful measurable.
On that note, let’s look at what we’ve accomplished during July and August.
NEW BUSINESS AND CLIENT RETENTION
The Novia One Class of 2023 has graduated
It is with great excitement that we announce the graduation of our colleagues who participated in the Novia One learnership programme. While Life Healthcare has offered learnership programmes before, this is the first time that Life Health Solutions has done so. This employed learnership programme was introduced to help employees upskill themselves, acquire new business skills, and increase their value in the workplace. A total of eighteen participants joined the programme.
When asked, the graduates admitted that the programme was challenging yet incredibly rewarding. The graduates have already begun applying their learnings. They can serve as shining examples for others to follow. I would like to thank Bruce Janssens and the RBMs for supporting this initiative. I’d also like to thank Dr Leanne Mandim and Natania Chandler for spearheading the programme and supporting the graduates. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
And to all the graduates, you should feel exceptionally proud of your accomplishments. We certainly are! Despite the late nights and gruelling hours, you showed up. We're proud of how you demonstrated strong teamwork and dedication to staying the course. As a company, we could not have had a better group of enthusiastic participants for the programme. We encourage you to share your knowledge with your teams and raise them up. Learning is a lifelong journey. Keep going.
Our graduates:
Product Development
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Introducing ViGOR, our new primary healthcare and occupational health clinical management system In the past few months, our development team has been hard at work developing an integrated platform that will enable our clinic personnel to access primary healthcare and occupational health services from a single clinical management system. It is called ViGOR. In its first phase of development, VIGOR will allow medical practitioners to access patient information from previous consultations, capture medical assessments, and issue certificates of fitness.
Why VIGOR? The word, ‘vigour’ refers to physical strength and good health. It is also associated with energy, effort and enthusiasm – all of which contribute to a healthy and robust workforce. That is what ViGOR is about. It is our systemised approach to integrated healthcare management that prevents, treats, tracks and manages any potential risks to people's health and well-being. Through our efforts to maintain a healthy workforce, we in turn help businesses remain profitable. Combined with your quality care and compassion, we are confident that this exciting new platform will help us make a meaningful, measurable difference in our communities. More announcements are coming soon.
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We now offer Health Risk Assessments and Health and Safety Audits as two new ancillary services
In recent months have seen an increase in businesses enquiring if we offer independent Health Risk Assessments and Safety Audits. Consequently, we have integrated these two services into our product suite as ancillary services. By offering Health Risk Assessments and Safety Compliance, we help organisations mitigate risk, conform with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and identify gaps in their compliance related to specified laws and regulations, internal processes and procedures, and standards of safety. These services are available on our company website.
Marketing Update
Life Health Solutions’ podcast: A better place of businessWe are currently working on a series of podcasts aimed at our B2B audience. The first episode – mental wellness takes center stage – featured one of our own, Safia Joseph. Our second podcast, titled 'Accidents Happen,' is currently in production. Our B2B audience will be targeted with these podcasts, which will be promoted on LinkedIn. We will provide more information in the next column.
Our broker page is live on our site
Since its launch last year, we have partnered with several brokers who will help sell our services on our behalf. Partnering with brokers is especially important because of their expertise, influence, and network of clients. In their role as partners, they will advise their clients on how our solutions can benefit their business and workforce. We are launching a campaign next month aimed at attracting more brokers. To support this initiative, we have developed a web page for brokers, as well as a series of newsletters to drive engagement and generate leads. To view the new broker page, click here. We look forward to reviewing the results in the coming months.
[from left] Leanne Mandim, Sanchia Pillay, Jenny Sapire, Claudia Kane, Charlene Winfield, Loshal Kabool, Leanne Ebell, Jacqueline Demas, Shannon Gunkel, Lucy Hiralal, and Olebogeng Maroane
Nelson Mandela Walk
In celebration of Mandela Day, Life Healthcare hosted a Mandela Day Walk on 18 July at the head office in Rosebank. This year's theme – the legacy lives through you – is a reminder that we are all responsible for continuing Mandela's work. Teams, including Life Health Solutions, participated in the event by spending 67 minutes walking around the office precinct. They were also invited to dress up as their favourite superhero. In addition to having a great time, Life Healthcare collectively raised R86 679 to support victims and survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
An induction to remember: Life Health Solutions onboards the Department of Human Settlements
Business Manager, Lezinda Scholtz, conducted a very memorable induction session for our newest client, the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDHS). The induction, which took place on 13 July at their regional branch in Gqeberha, was attended by over 30 employees, including their Regional Director. Not only was it attended by a high-ranking government official, but it was also one of the most lively sessions as far as inductions go. As a result of the enthusiastic reception that she received from the ECDHS staff, Lezinda was honoured with a new name: Liziwe. This means 'Blessed' in Xhosa. Reflecting on her experience, Liziwe says she feels humbled by such a heartwarming reception and feel-good gesture. Well done, Liziwe, and well deserved!
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Sr Phumzile Madide named Lactalis Woman of the Year We want to give a shout-out to Phumzile (Phumi) Madide, an Occupational Health Nurse based at Lactalis Bonnievale, who was selected as one of three women named Lactalis Bonnievale Women of the Year 2023. Phumi has been managing the on-site clinic at Lactalis Bonnievale since May 2022. Based on her entry nomination below, it's no surprise she was selected.
"Sr Phumi is the most hardworking, dedicated, and courageous woman at Lactalis Bonnievale. Her work is done to the best of her ability and always with a smile on her face. As the only sister working full-time at the clinic, she carries all the employees on her shoulders without complaint and always puts her patients before herself. She does the work of three nurses, loving us all, making sure all 1000+ employees attend their medicals, and motivating all of them to visit the clinic whenever help is required. She deserves this Woman of the Year award because she is the most selfless and passionate being we have come across when doing her work at Lactalis SA Bonnievale".
Well done, Phumzile! We're so proud of you.
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Thank you for reflecting on the values our Tata Madiba stood for. As individuals, community members, and as South Africans, let’s use these values to guide our everyday actions. What can we do today? We can show up and try our best. Madiba's hard work and sacrifices have made our lives better. Until next month, Pennie |
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