In an effort to address staff attitude as well as boost morale among healthcare workers for the betterment of patient experience, the Gauteng Department of Health has unveiled #IServeWithASmile campaign #AsibeHealthyGP in various areas in the province. The aim of the campaign is to reduce patient complaints and dissatisfaction brought by healthcare workers.

The Department said they are heading a call by patients who've complained about unpleasant treatment and attitude in healthcare facilities."The department has received 748 complaints in the second quarter of 2023, in contrast to the 640 lodged in the first quarter," said Gauteng Health Department spokesperson, Motalalatale Modiba. He said, however, that as much as there is an increase in complaints, the results on contributing factors show a decrease in negative staff attitude from 34% to 31% and patient factors from 44% to 36%. Other noted contributory factors were related to access to information at 20% and waiting times at 19% respectively.

Modiba added that the campaign seeks to encourage workers to approach their work with positivity. "The campaign seeks to encourage every healthcare worker to approach their work with a smile, enthusiasm, empathy, and a friendly demeanor as a way of ensuring that we begin to engender a more positive and humane approach,? Modiba added that it is important for healthcare workers to remember that the heart of the health profession lies in serving and caring for patients although it is easy to become consumed by the demands and pressures of work.