The Health Systems Trust (HST) is a leading role-player in the South African public health arena focusing on health systems strengthening, research, and strategic support to the implementation of priority health programmes. Its training arm, the Health Systems Training Institute (HSTi), is the vehicle that provides the training and development support for the programmes delivered by HST, and is fully accredited by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). HST’s working models are translated into capacity-building and training interventions and are delivered by HSTi to improve primary health care (PHC).
In the latter part of 2020 the HSTi began a process of re-engineering to streamline its product offerings to align them with current health imperatives. To this end, it engaged Prof Hoosen Rasool to lead the team on this optimisation exercise. Prof Rasool, who specialises in establishing, managing and strengthening post-school education and training institutions and public departments is also currently the Director of FR Research Services, a consultancy specialising in research, training and advisory services. He said: “HST has done sterling work in the health public sector over decades. HSTi will leverage the experience and working models of HST to develop training interventions that are applications-driven and practitioner-led.”
He added that, “HSTi is preparing to launch a suite of demand-led short courses for the health sector. All courses will be offered online or through blended learning. We have developed a learning management system that will be a one-stop shop for students. The courses are designed for busy professionals in the health sector. It is based on participative learning pedagogies and work-based activities.”
Prof Rasool goes on to say that “HSTi has a nuanced grasp of the challenges faced in the delivery of primary health care. It has led HST to develop inventive, locally responsive training solutions in support of global and local health agendas.”
Supported by a competent and motivated team, HSTi provides capacity-building and training support for the introduction of universal health coverage through National Health Insurance (NHI) and initiatives such as the re-engineering of primary health care, strengthening public health facilities, and improving quality of care. It supports the health system and those who work in it through training and capacity-building.
HSTi’s client-base straddles the entire health system, including multi-national donor organisations; health departments at national, provincial and district levels; NGOs/CBOs; statutory bodies; trade unions, employer associations, clinics and hospitals. Its areas of training and capacity-building expertise include health management and information, health research, health strengthening, clinical training as well as HWSETA-accredited skills programmes.
The website, accessible via www.hstinstitute.co.za or www.hst.org.za (HST sites or the top navigation) creates access to information on the array of existing and new courses offered by the institute, who will lead training for respective courses and how to access the product offerings through an easy-to-use booking system.
The HSTi web user interface has a clean look and feel and neat layout to foreground key information and to make the user experience seamless. This was done to minimise the search for courses and other relevant information such as the latest news in the health training space and other resources as part of the HSTi’s commitment to strengthening the national primary health system through health research, informatics, clinical support, capacity-building and training and contributing to the development of a skilled health sector workforce.
Some of the Short Courses offered by the HSTi now includes:
1. Adult Primary Care (APC)
2. Basic Antenatal Care Plus (BANC Plus)
3. Community healthcare Stakeholder Engagement
4. Effective patient records management in hospitals and clinics
5. Health Information, Indicators and Analysis
6. HIV Counselling and Rapid Testing
7. Introduction to Health Research Regulatory System
8. Litigation Associated with Pregnancy and Birth
9. Nurse Initiated Management of Anti-Retroviral Treatment (NIMART)
10. Orientation to Effective Pharmaceutical management Gauteng
11. Research Methods for Health
12. Survey Data Collection and Analysis for Health Research
13. Wellness for Effective Leadership
Full NQF Programmes:
1. Further Education and Training Certificate: Counselling
2. Further Education and Training Certificate: Public Awareness Promotion of Dread Disease and HIV/AIDS
3. National Certificate: Community Health Work
About the Health Systems Training Institute
The Health Systems Trust Training Institute (HSTi) is the training arm of the Health Systems Trust (HST). The Health Systems Trust is accredited by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). HSTi is the vehicle that provides the training and development support for the programmes delivered by HST. HSTi is now expanding its capacity-building and training offerings to all role-players within the health systems in Southern Africa. HSTi offers innovative, tailored and application-driven clinical and non-clinical training solutions aimed at strengthening health systems at all levels and improving the quality of primary health care. HSTi’s client base straddles the entire health system. Our clients include multi-national donor organisations, health departments at national, provincial and district levels, NGO’s and CBO’s, statutory bodies, trade unions, employer associations, clinics and hospitals.
For more information, contact HSTi at +27 11 312 4523 or email Susanna.Naude@hst.org.za OR Cassius.Semaushu@hst.org.za
About the Health Systems Trust
The Health Systems Trust (HST) is a leading role-player in the South African public health arena, focusing on health systems strengthening, research, and strategic support in the implementation of priority health programmes. Established in April 1992, on the brink of democracy in South Africa, HST has played a significant role in the evolution of the national health system. Today our strength lies in the knowledge, insight and experience we harness through synergising our research and implementation outputs towards a healthy life for all.
Media Queries
Antoinette Stafford Cloete, E: A.Staffordcloete@hst.org.za
Lunga Memela E: Lunga.Memela@hst.org.za
hst@hst.org.za