ILO launches training for health workers on HealthWISE

In response to closure of selected health facilities due to non-compliance with occupational health and safety measures against COVID-19, the International Labour Organization launched training to health workers in the Eastern Cape Province. The two-day training, dubbed HealtWISE, was a joint initiative with the World Health Organization and in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour.

The aim of the training workshop, which attended by more than 40 health care workers, was to familiarize the technical working group, health district coordinators and members of the Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Committee with the ILO/WHO HealthWISE methodology, which includes the COVID-19 checklist. The three groups targeted are comprised of government and health sector unions.

The health care workers were introduced objectives and application of the HealthWISE methodology and its checklist and how to use it. Other sessions included controlling occupational hazards and improving workplace safety, musculoskeletal hazards and ergonomic solutions, biological hazards and infection control with special reference to HIV and tuberculosis. Additional sessions also focused on tackling discrimination, harassment and violence at the workplace. Participants also agreed on the next steps for the roll-out and application of HealthWISE.

Following the workshop, the technical working group has since agreed to support the rollout of the HealthWISE methodology in 10 selected facilities. The champion from these facilities will receive a full training-of-trainers on the methodology covering all the modules of HealthWISE, which, in addition to the modules introduced at the workshop, will also include:

• Measures towards a green and healthy workplace ;
• The key role of staff: recruitment, support, management, and retention;
• Working time and family-friendly measures;
• Selecting, storing and managing equipment and supplies.

The rollout and implementation of the HealthWISE methodology uses an integrated approach to planning.  A health care facility has many different parts (units, tasks, responsibilities) that need to work together to be effective,  just like a machinery.  The aim of HealthWISE is to help participants to consider the different pieces as parts of a whole.

In addition to the 10 selected health facilities where the methodology would be rolled out, the technical working group also agreed to guide the improvements of the Balfour Clinic located in the Amathole District municipality in Eastern Cape. The technical guidance on the implementation of HealthWISE to address the impact of COVID-19, HIV and TB in the province will continue in 2022.

Downloads available here

HealthWISE - Work Improvement in Health Services - Trainers' Guide 

HealthWISE - Work Improvement in Health Services - Action Manual