Frere Hospital

Frere Hospital is a public hospital located in East London, South Africa. It is one of the largest hospitals in the Eastern Cape province and serves as a key medical facility for the region.

History

Frere Hospital was established in 1867 and named after Sir Bartle Frere, a British colonial administrator. The hospital has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years to accommodate the growing population of East London and the surrounding areas.

Services

Frere Hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including emergency medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, internal medicine, and psychiatry. The hospital also has specialized departments for radiology, pathology, and pharmacy.

Facilities

The hospital has over 800 beds and several specialized units, including an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and a Burns Unit. It also has a helipad for emergency medical services.

Training and Research

Frere Hospital is affiliated with the Walter Sisulu University and serves as a training site for medical students and residents. The hospital is also involved in various medical research projects, particularly in the fields of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

Challenges

Like many public hospitals in South Africa, Frere Hospital faces several challenges, including overcrowding, staff shortages, and limited resources. Despite these challenges, the hospital continues to provide essential medical services to the community.

See Also

• Healthcare in South Africa
• List of hospitals in South Africa