On Monday 7 April 2025, nine students from the Master's in Global Healthcare Leadership programme visited the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. As the hospital is a centre for excellence in paediatric care on the African continent, the visit provided an opportunity to explore complexities and innovative practice in providing specialist care in a resource-limited setting, and the leadership challenges in doing so.
A Unique Learning Experience
Led by MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership student Dries van den Heever, the group engaged in a comprehensive programme designed to bridge academic insights with real-world healthcare challenges.
The half-day visit featured a hospital tour, presentations by members of the hospital senior leadership team and a facilitated discussion between the hospital leadership, students and a senior staff member from the MSc in Global Healthcare Leadership programme, offering new perspectives, challenging assumptions and facilitating new networks of communication.
Bridging Continents, Sharing Expertise
Judy Irving, Head of Programmes at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, joined the session virtually, underscoring the programme's commitment to global collaboration. The visit represented a critical opportunity for students to gain first-hand insights into innovative healthcare practices in a different international context.
Anita Parbhoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, personally welcomed the group, providing a programme that included:
- A comprehensive hospital overview
- Student-led discussion
- Interactive dialogue
- Guided tour of key hospital facilities
More Than Just a Study Trip
The visit was not merely an academic exercise, the focus was highlighting the importance of international healthcare education and collaboration.
As global healthcare continues to evolve, initiatives like this demonstrated the power of cross-border learning and the critical role of emerging and established healthcare leaders in driving positive change.