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KOSOVO - The ball of change keeps rolling
The Gjilan General Hospital (GGH), being one of the six public general hospitals of Kosovo, somehow sidelined by the healthcare system throughout the years, was one of the two General Hospitals (GHs) chosen for receiving support from the Health Sector Support Programme in Kosovo (Phase II), KSV/017 project. The beginning had its challenges, as there was resistance to change and new initiatives. It has been a while since working in a different manner and in a different setting was possible. But frequent workshops, trainings and introduction of new tools, as well as the purchase of the new equipment, seem to have accelerated development. Now support is coming in many spheres of their work, including: renovation, equipment and professional training.
After having renovated the new space for the CT scanner, the latter was installed, fostering the enthusiasm of healthcare workers in Gjilan. The CT scanner boasts 128 slices, the existing one being an outdated two-slice scanner. It’s the CT in the public sector with the highest performance. Beside the scanner, the Project provided the hospital with a whole set of new equipment.
Through the partnership agreement with the Murska Sobota hospital from Slovenia, two nurses provided a one-week training in Gjilan for the Surgery Department nurses, with practical and very useful lessons, including on-the-job training. The nurses from Prizren Regional Hospital also participated, creating a space for proper professional exchange with local, as well as international experience.
Through the GGH efforts to implement its five-year strategic plan, developed with the support of the KSV/017 project, the hospital has managed to involve other stakeholders. The Kosovo Hospital and University Clinical Service (KHUCS) has invested in the hospital, with a complete renovation of the Emergency Service, including new equipment, which has completely revamped this hospital service. Moreover, the outpatient clinics have also been completely renovated and reorganised, giving a completely new feel to this very important part of healthcare service provision in GGH.
The year ended with an end-of-year presentation followed by a reception at the hospital, with the management of the hospital presenting the results, and promoting the change initiated. The spark of change could be felt, as the conversations during the reception reflected another vibe for the years to come. The health professionals reflected on a successful year, with change accelerating, touching upon different key aspects of the hospital’s duties.
