Frere Hospital, East London, South Africa

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Frere Hospital, East London, South Africa

Frere Hospital is a government tertiary hospital, situated in East London in the Province of the Eas

Frere Hospital offers more than 850 beds within the institution as well as several dedicated wards for different specialties, general wards and outpatient clinics. Frere Hospital is well known for its specialized services such as a state of the art oncology unit, high-tech Neonatal and Pediatric ICU’s, a large maternity wing equipped with nurseries which cater to both mothers and babies. Apart fro

m the general and specialized services offered at Frere Hospital, there are also a number of clinical support services rendered at the institution providing excellent care to our patients. Our clinical support services includes Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Orthotics and Prosthetic, Physiotherapy, Radiology, Radiation Oncology Treatment, Speech and Audiology Therapy.

11/06/2026

🎉 WELCOMING OUR NEWEST STAFF MEMBERS 🎉
On the 10th and 11th of June 2026, Frere Tertiary Hospital officially welcomed our newly appointed employees into the Frere family during a dynamic two-day Induction Workshop held at the John Tremble Hall.
The programme, expertly guided by Programme Director Ms N. Nxelelwa, was designed to give our new staff valuable insights into the hospital’s vision, values, and operational procedures, while instantly fostering a true sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Mr M. Moyikwa, Director: Human Resources and Administration, opened the session with a warm welcome. He shared a transparent overview of our workforce structures and administrative functions, while reminding everyone of the vital role each employee plays in upholding our standards of excellence. His message was clear: professionalism and patient-centred care are at the heart of everything we do.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Mr S.M. Msi, then took the stage to share an inspiring vision for the strategic direction of Frere Tertiary Hospital. Highlighting our critical role as a leading tertiary referral institution, he encouraged the new staff members to fully embrace our commitment to delivering top-tier, quality healthcare to the diverse communities we serve.
Throughout the workshop, the core pillars of teamwork, accountability, ethical conduct, and compassionate care remained front and centre. Our new colleagues leave this induction fully equipped with the knowledge and motivation needed to make a positive impact from day one.
Please join us in wishing all our new employees the absolute best as they embark on this exciting new chapter. Together, we will continue to build a stronger healthcare system and provide exceptional care to our patients and communities.

11/06/2026

This Sunday, four of our own will toe the start line of one of the world's greatest endurance races — 87 kilometres of unforgiving uphill road through the hills of KwaZulu-Natal.

Frere Tertiary Hospital is incredibly proud to support our staff as they take on this monumental challenge:

1. Dr Andrew Miller

2. Mr Vuka Sam

3. Mr Ede Tyopo

4. Mr Phikisile Menjenjalo

Training for a race of this magnitude is a feat in itself. It requires months of dawn runs, immense discipline, and the mental toughness to face a strictly enforced 12-hour cutoff alongside 21,633 other determined athletes.

To our four runners and everyone from our community heading to the start line: your dedication is an inspiration to your colleagues and patients alike. We have seen the hard work you’ve put in, and we know you have the heart to conquer every incline.

The entire Frere family is behind you. Run strong, stay safe, and know that we are cheering for you across every kilometre!

05/06/2026

FRERE HOSPITAL MEN’S WELLNESS WORKSHOP

Frere Tertiary Hospital hosted a successful Men’s Wellness Workshop on 5 June 2026, at John Tremble Hall. It brought together male employees, hospital management, and various stakeholders to address important issues affecting men’s well-being.

The workshop focused on mental health awareness, emotional well-being, financial literacy, and gender-based violence (GBV). Men were encouraged to seek support and engage in open conversations about challenges such as stress, burnout, depression, and financial pressures. Participants also received valuable information on financial planning, legal support, substance abuse prevention, and rehabilitation services.

Frere Hospital CEO, Mr S. M. Msi, emphasised the importance of mental health, respect, and compassion, while representatives from the SAPS highlighted the critical role men play in preventing violence and promoting safer communities. The hospital’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) also reminded staff of the confidential counselling and support services available to employees.

The event reinforced Frere Hospital’s commitment to supporting the well-being of its employees, breaking the stigma around mental health, and empowering men to take responsibility for their personal and professional well-being.

04/06/2026

CENTRAL REGION STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION THROUGH FIRST STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT MEETING

Frere Hospital hosted the first-ever Central Regional Strategic Management Meeting on 3 June 2026 in East London, bringing together senior managers and clinical leaders from Frere Hospital, Cecelia Makhiwane Hospital, Frontier Hospital and Amathole Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The meeting aimed to strengthen referral pathways, improve collaboration among healthcare facilities and address shared service delivery challenges across the region. The engagement provided a platform for stakeholders to share information, discuss operational challenges and identify practical solutions to improve patient care and ensure healthcare facilities work together more effectively.

Despite the challenges noted during the meeting, stakeholders highlighted several achievements and opportunities within the region. Frontier Hospital shared progress in specialised rehabilitation services for cerebral palsy patients and ongoing cataract initiatives aimed at reducing surgical backlogs. Facilities also reported improvements in monitoring service performance and agreed that filling funded clinical posts would unlock existing capacity in theatres, intensive care units and specialised clinics.

Closing the meeting, Frere Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Mr S.M. Msi, thanked delegates for their openness, commitment and dedication to improving healthcare services. Stakeholders agreed that the meeting will now be held quarterly to strengthen regional coordination, monitor progress and continue improving patient care across the Central Region.

02/06/2026

On the 2nd of June 2026, Frere Tertiary Hospital celebrated the launch of the Smile Week Outreach, where leadership and medical staff were gathered. The heart of the meeting centred on our shared mandate: providing life-changing care to pediatric patients who have a whole lifetime ahead of them

Highlighting the vital importance of this initiative, Dr Van de Valt from Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha shared a sobering look at our healthcare landscape. As the second largest province in South Africa, the Eastern Cape faces a severe shortage of specialised skills. Over the past 17 years, provincial plastic surgeon numbers have dwindled from three to just one active practitioner. Because these surgeries are highly intricate, the province lacks permanent plastic surgeons with the sub-speciality required to treat cleft lips and palates—one of the most common congenital defects, affecting 1 in every 1,200 births. This gap historically forces families from remote areas to face immense travel barriers or hide their children away out of embarrassment.

The visiting team expressed absolute joy at being in KuGompo City, showering praise on Frere Tertiary Hospital's great facilities, exceptional security services, dedicated staff, and the nursing sisters supporting Ward B4. As emphasised by Dr A. Miller, this wonderful collaboration serves as a powerful catalyst for our future.

In closing, our CEO, Mr S. M. Msi, speaking on behalf of provincial leadership, extended a special note of appreciation to Dr Van de Valt. His invaluable contribution to transferring vital surgical skills to our local doctors beautifully underscores our identity as a true teaching and training hospital. By bringing in this level of expertise, we are actively developing clinical interest in this specialised field among our own staff, directly reinforcing our long-term commitment to train, recruit, and retain high-quality, homegrown Eastern Cape specialists to ensure permanent, sustainable continuity of care.

26/05/2026

On 20 May 2026, Frere Hospital management hosted a heartfelt farewell luncheon at the John Tremble Hall, in honour of four esteemed retirees: Mrs. Lizette Jennings, Nursing Services Manager with 39 years of service; Mr. Sammy Meintjies, Pharmaceutical Services Manager with 24 years of service; Mr. Anton Strydom, Senior Manager for ICT with 34 years of service; and Mr. Thembani Ndlovu, Manager for Engineering & Projects with 20 years of service.

The event brought together management, colleagues, family members, friends, and delegates from the Bhisho Head Office of the Department of Health to celebrate the retirees’ remarkable dedication and contribution to Frere Hospital and the communities it serves. Touching tributes were shared by colleagues, highlighting the retirees’ unwavering leadership, mentorship, and support throughout the years.

The Frere Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Mr. S. M. Msi delivered a heartfelt message, expressing both his surprise at their retirement announcements and his gratitude for their service during a transformation period of the hospital. He wished them well on the next chapter of their journeys.

The luncheon concluded on a high note with a vote of thanks by the Senior Manager for Finance, Mr. P. Mtheleli, as guests shared emotional farewells, admiration, and appreciation for the lasting impact the retirees made both professionally and personally. Their leadership, guidance and commitment to growth and excellence will remain part of Frere Hospital’s legacy for years to come.

20/05/2026

FRERE HOSPITAL HOSTS ISBI BURN INJURY TRAINING TO STRENGTHEN EMERGENCY CARE SkILLS

Frere Hospital, in partnership with the International Society for Burn Injuries (ISBI) International Society for Burn Injuries hosted a specialised burn injury training programme on 20 May 2026 at the East London Health Resource Centre, aimed at strengthening the skills of doctors, nurses and therapists in managing complex burn cases. The session was facilitated by Dr Nikki Allorto, a Specialist Burn Surgeon from KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health who led clinical training focused on improving emergency burn care and patient outcomes.

The programme focused on the management of inhalation injury, burn shock, and fluid resuscitation. It highlighted that inhalation injury results from breathing in hot air and products of combustion, leading to respiratory mucosal damage and rapid airway compromise if not managed early. Burn shock was also discussed, with emphasis on inflammation, leaky capillaries, vasodilation, oedema, and cardiac dysfunction, all of which contribute to major fluid shifts in burn patients.

Dr Nikki Allorto emphasised the importance of early airway protection in suspected inhalation injury cases, stating, “Give oxygen to all flame burns and consider the risk of true inhalation injury early, with a low threshold for early intubation when needed.” Clinical teaching further reinforced that diagnosis should be confirmed using direct visualisation methods such as laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, and that burn severity must not be overestimated without proper assessment.

She further stated, “Fluid resuscitation requires continuous monitoring rather than reliance on fixed formulas alone; burn resuscitation must be guided by continuous monitoring, especially urine output, and adjusted according to the patient’s response rather than relying only on fixed calculations.”

Additional guidance included regular urine output monitoring every 4–6 hours and adjusting fluid rates according to patient response to prevent complications of under- or over-resuscitation.

Overall, the training strengthened the capacity of Frere Hospital healthcare professionals to manage complex burn emergencies using evidence-based, responsive clinical decision-making. The collaboration with the International Society for Burn Injuries reinforced the importance of international expertise in improving burn care standards and patient outcomes.

15/05/2026

On May 6th and 7th, 2026, the leadership, staff, and labour unions (PSA, Denosa, Hospersa, and Nupsaw) of Frere Hospital gathered at the Blue Lagoon Hotel & Conference Centre for a transformative two-day workshop. Facilitated by Dr. T.T. Makola (Head of Faculty of Health at Walter Sisulu University), the session focused on change management and aligning our collective vision for the future of healthcare in our community.

The workshop opened with a powerful address from Dr. A. Miller (Senior Manager: Clinical Services), who emphasised the need for Frere Hospital to remain a resilient pillar of health despite organisational transitions. Our CEO Mr. S. Msi shared a poignant overview of the hospital’s current landscape, calling for a shift in mentality where every patient; no matter how small the clinical hurdle, is centered in our care.

Key highlights from Day 1:

1. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Teams broke away to conduct a deep dive into our clinical and financial performance.
2. 𝗦𝗪𝗢𝗧 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀: Identifying our strengths in leadership and partnerships, while addressing weaknesses in infrastructure and technology.
3. 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘀: A major theme was the transition from "working in silos" toward a culture of shared responsibility and proactive problem-solving.

Day 2 focused on tools for transformation, moving from diagnosis to action with a deep dive into stakeholder communication and the psychology of organisational shifts.

Key tools explored:

1. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲: Understanding the emotional journey of change from initial shock to eventual integration and commitment.
2. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴: Analysing how change affects patients, staff, and the community to provide better transparency.
3. 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀: A session dedicated to decision-making and overcoming resistance to new initiatives.
4. 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Leadership emphasised that effective change requires writing down specific, actionable goals with realistic timelines.

The workshop concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and a closing prayer. Mr. Msi commended the team for their honesty and willingness to "diagnose themselves," noting that our university resources and internal insights are our greatest assets, even in the face of budget constraints.

As we move toward our next Strategic Planning Session in June 2026, Frere Hospital stands united. We are committed to taking ownership of our growth and ensuring that our facility remains a beacon of excellence for the Eastern Cape.

06/05/2026

FRERE HOSPITAL ONCOLOGY REVIEW SUMMIT TO STRENGTHEN CANCER CARE IN THE EASTERN CAPE

Frere Hospital hosted an Oncology Review Summit on 6 May 2026 that brought together key stakeholders in cancer care, including delegates from the World Health Organisation, representatives from Walter Sisulu University, and international expert Dr Surbhi Grover (MD, MPH) from the University of Pennsylvania.

The summit focused on a comprehensive review of oncology services in the Eastern Cape, assessing current programmes, identifying challenges, and exploring opportunities to strengthen cancer care across the province.

This engagement was important as South Africa continues to face a growing cancer burden, with many patients presenting at advanced stages due to limited resources and access barriers.

Dr Zukiswa Jafta, Academic Head of Radiology & Oncology at Frere Hospital and Walter Sisulu University, explained the purpose of hosting the summit. “We are hosting delegates from the World Health Organisation (WHO), as part of a review of cancer programmes in the Eastern Cape. This visit allows us to demonstrate the multidisciplinary nature of care through walkabouts across different departments,” she said.

Addressing attendees, Dr Andrew Miller, Head of Clinical Governance, outlined both the context and progress within oncology services. “South Africa continues to face a rising cancer burden, with common cancers including breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal, often presenting at late stages due to resource and access constraints,” he said.

He further explained how services are structured to respond to these challenges: “We offer a full continuum of oncology care from screening and diagnosis to treatment, palliative care and survivorship programmes supported by a strong multidisciplinary team to ensure evidence-based patient care.”

Providing clinical insight from the visiting delegation, Dr Surbhi Grover noted the importance of an integrated approach to care. “Radiation oncology functions within a broader multidisciplinary ecosystem, and understanding how each speciality interacts is essential for improving patient care pathways,” she said.

Dr Jafta further highlighted the intended outcomes of the engagement. “We aim to ensure an appreciation of both the challenges and the progress we have made, particularly within the limitations of available resources and funding,” she noted.

The summit reflected a shared commitment between healthcare institutions, academia, and global partners to strengthen cancer care systems and improve outcomes for patients across the Eastern Cape.

27/02/2026

Frere Hospital and ABSA Celebrate Doctors’ Appreciation Day

Frere Hospital, in partnership with ABSA, hosted a Doctors’ Appreciation Breakfast to honour and recognise its medical professionals for their unwavering dedication to patient care. The event took place on 27 February 2025 at the East London Health Resource Centre and brought together hospital leadership, medical practitioners, and representatives from the banking sector for a morning of appreciation, engagement, and meaningful dialogue.

The initiative sought to acknowledge the resilience, professionalism, and clinical excellence of doctors, while also providing a platform to engage on matters impacting their professional and personal wellbeing. Key discussions included financial planning, long-term security, and preparing for life beyond active clinical practice.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer (Mr. S Msi), Dr E. Simpson, Head of Surgery at Frere Hospital, expressed sincere appreciation to doctors for their continued commitment to delivering quality healthcare under challenging circumstances.

“Since taking office, our CEO has witnessed firsthand the challenges you face, ranging from staffing shortages to supply constraints,” he said. “Despite these obstacles, you continue to go above and beyond for our patients and the broader community.”

Dr Simpson further commended the doctors’ compassion and professionalism, adding, “You provide reassurance, dignity, and hope to those in need. Your resilience and dedication set the benchmark for the standard of care we strive to deliver every day.”

Also addressing the gathering was Mr Mabhele Magaga, Area Manager: Private Banking for East London and Mthatha at ABSA, who highlighted the importance of financial literacy and long-term planning for medical professionals.

“Our aim was to bring practical financial literacy solutions to our medical professionals,” he said. “Through meaningful discussions over breakfast, we unpacked key aspects of preparing for the future, including wills, savings, and retirement planning. Valuable insights were shared, and we look forward to hosting similar engagements in the future.”

The Doctors’ Appreciation Breakfast served as both a celebration and a practical engagement platform, reinforcing the shared commitment between Frere Hospital and ABSA to support healthcare professionals not only in their clinical roles, but also in securing their financial wellbeing.

“We are proud to support you, to work alongside you, and of the high standard of care you consistently uphold,” Dr Simpson concluded.

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Main Road, Amalinda Drive
East London
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http://www.fh.echealth.gov.za/

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