UCT opens multidisciplinary liver center to improve patient care in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA—The University of Cape Town (UCT) has launched a new multidisciplinary liver centre to transform the diagnosis, treatment, and management of liver disease across South Africa.

Led by UCT clinicians, the centre brings together expertise from multiple medical disciplines to deliver coordinated, patient-focused care through a unified system.

The initiative connects key healthcare facilities, including Groote Schuur Hospital and UCT Private Academic Hospital in Cape Town, as well as Netcare Greenacres Hospital in Gqeberha.

By linking these institutions, the centre creates a collaborative network that expands access to specialised liver care across two provinces.

Integrated, multidisciplinary approach

The liver centre combines several specialties, including hepatobiliary surgery, hepatology, gastroenterology, oncology, and interventional radiology.

This integrated approach allows clinicians to evaluate and manage patients within a single, streamlined framework.

As a result, patients benefit from coordinated treatment plans that address complex liver conditions more effectively.

Moreover, UCT’s Division of Radiology spearheaded the project in collaboration with the Division of General Surgery and the Division of Hepatology.

Together, these teams have introduced a model of care that has not been available in South Africa before.

In addition to improving patient services, the centre also strengthens clinician training by aligning with international best practices and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration.

Bridging public and private healthcare

A key feature of the centre lies in its ability to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare systems.

By integrating these sectors, the initiative combines the high patient volumes and diverse case profiles of public hospitals with the advanced technologies and operational efficiencies found in private facilities.

Furthermore, UCT’s academic and teaching platform supports this model, ensuring continuous learning and innovation.

This collaboration not only enhances clinical outcomes but also builds capacity within the healthcare system by training the next generation of specialists.

Patient-centred and evidence-based care

According to project lead Dr Dale Creamer, the centre addresses longstanding challenges in patient education and access to specialised care.

He emphasised that the programme empowers patients by helping them better understand their conditions while providing world-class, collaborative treatment.

The centre adopts an evidence-based and individualised approach to care.

Services range from early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans to minimally invasive procedures and complex surgeries, including liver transplants.

This comprehensive offering ensures that patients receive appropriate care at every stage of their condition.

Dr Creamer highlighted that liver disease often requires subspecialist input and multidisciplinary coordination.

He noted that the centre delivers this level of care under one roof, marking a significant shift in how liver conditions are managed in the country.

Advanced technology and seamless access

Equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by experienced clinicians, the centre focuses on improving patient outcomes through fully integrated care pathways.

Multidisciplinary teams collaborate to make informed, evidence-based decisions, ensuring that each patient receives optimal treatment.

Access to the centre has also been simplified. General practitioners can refer patients directly through an online platform, while individuals with existing liver conditions can seek care using the same system.

Once registered, each patient undergoes assessment and is directed to the appropriate specialist within the network.

Dr Creamer explained that this streamlined process eliminates unnecessary delays and repeated referrals.

He added that the centre operates as a centre of excellence, prioritising patient safety and well-being at every stage of care.