Integrated digital systems support emergency care response during peak traffic periods in South Africa

Case shows how clinical operations and real-time data tools improve patient flow and coordination in high-demand scenarios

As South Africa prepares for increased road traffic during the Easter period, healthcare providers are reinforcing emergency care operations to handle a higher volume of critical cases. In this context, Promed24, a company focused on managing emergency care units, has expanded both its clinical capacity and its use of digital systems to support faster and more coordinated responses.

According to CEO Dr. Ilse Fourie, the organization maintains standard operational protocols throughout the year but increases readiness during periods of higher risk. “While our streamlined operational systems are always in place, our level of readiness has increased significantly over this period,” she says, noting that staffing levels, triage processes, and escalation protocols are reviewed in advance of peak demand.

A key part of this approach has been the expansion of emergency services through a partnership with a private hospital in the Free State region. The initiative introduced a structured model for handling both high-acuity trauma and routine urgent care cases within the same environment. Since its implementation, the facility has reported increased patient volumes and more coordinated care delivery, supported by a doctor-led emergency model designed to reduce bottlenecks and improve patient flow.

Alongside clinical changes, the operation relies on a digital infrastructure developed by Altron HealthTech, including its practice management platform Elixir Live. These systems are used to manage administrative and clinical workflows in real time, with capabilities such as automated billing and claims processing integrated into the care process.

According to Promed24’s finance team, the use of real-time data tools has reduced administrative load and improved throughput in emergency units. “With real-time billing and claims processing capabilities, one of the key advantages of a product like Elixir Live has been improved billing efficiency,” the company’s CFO explains, adding that this contributes to faster patient handling and allows clinical teams to focus more directly on care delivery.

The same digital foundation has also been extended to primary healthcare through the launch of a general practice operation in Bloemfontein. The new service integrates clinical and administrative data into a single interface using additional systems such as HealthONE, enabling practitioners to access patient histories and make decisions based on consolidated information. This approach addresses common challenges such as fragmented data and manual processes, while supporting continuity of care between emergency and primary care settings.

“Leveraging Altron HealthTech’s clinical expertise, we’re able to provide the same standards of care, coordination and efficiency across both the emergency and primary healthcare environments,” says Fourie. “As a digital backbone, it enables clinicians to focus on the patient, supported by accurate data and streamlined care transitions.”

With more than two decades of experience in emergency medicine, Fourie highlights the importance of combining clinical governance with operational efficiency, particularly during high-pressure periods such as national holidays. The integration of digital tools into routine workflows allows healthcare teams to respond more effectively when demand increases, while maintaining visibility across the patient journey.

As traffic volumes rise, the coordinated model involving emergency units, hospital infrastructure and ambulance services is expected to play a central role in managing incidents. While the system is designed to respond to emergencies, Fourie notes that prevention remains critical. “While we are ready for any emergency, the greatest success would be seeing fewer preventable injuries and safer journeys for all,” she says.