Welcome to King Edward VIII Hospital
King Edward VIII Hospital, officially known today as Victoria Mxenge Hospital, is one of South Africa’s largest public tertiary teaching hospitals. Located in Congella, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, the hospital provides advanced regional and tertiary healthcare services to patients across KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Eastern Cape.
As a major referral and teaching hospital, the facility delivers highly specialized medical care while also training future doctors, nurses, specialists, and healthcare professionals through its partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Hospital at a Glance
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Hospital Name | King Edward VIII Hospital (Victoria Mxenge Hospital) |
| Hospital Type | Public Tertiary Teaching Hospital |
| Location | Congella, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Established | 1936 |
| Bed Capacity | Approximately 852–922 Beds |
| Monthly Outpatients | Over 22,000 Patients |
| Annual Outpatients | Approximately 360,000 Patients |
| Healthcare Level | Regional & Tertiary Referral Hospital |
| Teaching Affiliation | University of KwaZulu-Natal |
| Nursing College | On-site Nursing College |
| Service Area | KwaZulu-Natal & Eastern Cape |
Contact Information
Main Switchboard
+27 (0)31 360 3111
Alternative Contact
+27 (0)31 205 9432
Mobile Contact
060 964 0445
Fax
+27 (0)31 206 1457
Physical Address
Corner of Sydney Road and Rick Turner Road
Congella
Durban
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Postal Address
Private Bag X02
Congella
4013
South Africa
GPS Coordinates
Latitude: -29.881239
Longitude: 30.990660
About the Hospital
King Edward VIII Hospital is among the largest public hospitals in the Southern Hemisphere and serves as a major tertiary referral center for complex medical cases.
Patients are referred from district and regional hospitals throughout KwaZulu-Natal and neighboring provinces for advanced specialist care, surgery, critical care, diagnostics, and treatment.
The hospital plays a vital role in healthcare delivery, medical education, clinical research, and specialist training.
Medical Services
Emergency & Trauma Care
The Emergency and Trauma Unit provides immediate treatment for urgent and life-threatening conditions.
Services Include
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Care
- Accident & Injury Treatment
- Critical Patient Stabilization
- Emergency Referrals
Internal Medicine
Comprehensive care for adults with acute and chronic medical conditions.
Services Include
- General Medicine
- Chronic Disease Management
- Specialist Consultations
- Inpatient Medical Care
- Preventive Healthcare
Surgical Services
The hospital offers a broad range of surgical procedures and specialist operations.
Services Include
- General Surgery
- Specialist Surgery
- Surgical Admissions
- Post-Operative Care
- Surgical Theatre Services
Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
The ICU provides advanced monitoring and treatment for critically ill patients.
Services Include
- Intensive Monitoring
- Life-Support Treatment
- Critical Care Medicine
- Specialist ICU Support
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Specialized intensive care for newborn babies requiring advanced medical attention.
Services Include
- Premature Baby Care
- Neonatal Monitoring
- Newborn Intensive Care
- High-Risk Infant Management
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Comprehensive healthcare services for women before, during, and after pregnancy.
Services Include
- Antenatal Care
- Labour & Delivery
- High-Risk Pregnancy Management
- Women’s Health Services
- Gynaecological Treatment
Paediatric Services
Specialized healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents.
Services Include
- Child Healthcare
- Paediatric Admissions
- Developmental Assessments
- Specialist Paediatric Treatment
Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)
Diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck.
Services Include
- ENT Consultations
- Hearing Disorders
- Sinus Conditions
- Head & Neck Treatment
Maxillofacial Surgery
Specialized treatment of facial injuries and oral conditions.
Services Include
- Facial Trauma Care
- Reconstructive Procedures
- Oral Surgery
- Jaw & Facial Treatment
Radiology Department
Advanced imaging and diagnostic services.
Services Include
- X-Rays
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Specialist Radiology
- Medical Investigations
Pharmacy Services
Provision of medicines and pharmaceutical support.
Services Include
- Prescription Dispensing
- Medication Counseling
- Pharmaceutical Support
- Inpatient & Outpatient Pharmacy Services
Physiotherapy
Physical rehabilitation and recovery support.
Services Include
- Injury Rehabilitation
- Mobility Improvement
- Physical Therapy Programs
- Post-Surgical Recovery
Occupational Therapy
Helping patients regain independence and daily living skills.
Services Include
- Functional Rehabilitation
- Mobility Training
- Daily Living Support
- Recovery Programs
Speech & Audiology Services
Assessment and treatment of speech, language, communication, and hearing disorders.
Services Include
- Hearing Assessments
- Audiology Services
- Speech Therapy
- Communication Support
Dietetics & Nutrition
Professional nutritional care and dietary management.
Services Include
- Clinical Nutrition
- Dietary Counseling
- Nutritional Assessments
- Specialized Diet Plans
Social Work Services
Support services for patients and families facing social or emotional challenges.
Services Include
- Patient Counseling
- Family Support
- Community Referrals
- Social Assistance Programs
Telemedicine Services
Technology-enabled healthcare support and specialist consultations.
Services Include
- Remote Consultations
- Specialist Referrals
- Digital Healthcare Support
Hospital Infrastructure
Capacity
| Facility | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Beds | 852–922 |
| Annual Outpatients | Approximately 360,000 |
| Monthly Outpatients | Over 22,000 |
| ICU Facilities | Available |
| NICU Facilities | Available |
| Teaching Hospital | Yes |
| Nursing College | Yes |
Academic & Training Role
King Edward VIII Hospital is one of South Africa’s leading teaching hospitals.
Educational Partners
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine
- Hospital Nursing College
Training Programs
- Medical Students
- Nursing Students
- Specialist Doctors
- Allied Healthcare Professionals
- Clinical Researchers
Specialized Healthcare Services
The hospital provides advanced specialist services including:
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Trauma Medicine
- Maxillofacial Surgery
- Advanced Surgical Services
- Specialized Obstetrics
- Paediatric Specialist Care
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Rehabilitation Services
Patient Information
What to Bring
Patients attending appointments or admissions should bring:
- South African ID or Passport
- Referral Letter (if applicable)
- Medical Records
- Current Medication List
- Medical Aid Information (if applicable)
Emergency Visits
For emergencies:
- Proceed directly to the Emergency Department.
- Bring identification if available.
- Inform staff about allergies or chronic conditions.
- Carry any important medical records when possible.
Visitor Information
Visitors are encouraged to:
- Follow visiting hours.
- Respect patient privacy.
- Observe infection control measures.
- Follow hospital regulations.
- Maintain a quiet environment.
Community Served
The hospital serves:
- Durban Metropolitan Area
- KwaZulu-Natal Province
- Eastern Cape Referral Patients
- Regional Hospitals
- District Hospitals
- Community Health Clinics
History
Established in 1936, King Edward VIII Hospital has served the people of South Africa for nearly a century. Originally named after King Edward VIII, the hospital was later renamed Victoria Mxenge Hospital in honor of anti-apartheid activist Victoria Mxenge.
Over the decades, the hospital has grown into one of the country’s most important tertiary healthcare institutions and remains a leading center for specialist treatment, education, and research.
Our Commitment
✓ Quality Healthcare Services
✓ Patient-Centered Care
✓ Clinical Excellence
✓ Medical Education & Research
✓ Community Health Improvement
✓ Accessible Public Healthcare
✓ Safe & Compassionate Treatment
✓ Professional Healthcare Training
Quick Summary
King Edward VIII Hospital (Victoria Mxenge Hospital) is one of South Africa’s largest tertiary teaching hospitals. Located in Congella, Durban, the hospital offers advanced specialist healthcare services, emergency medicine, surgery, intensive care, maternity services, paediatrics, rehabilitation, and medical education. With more than 850 beds and hundreds of thousands of annual patient visits, it remains a cornerstone of healthcare delivery in KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding regions.
King Edward VIII Hospital (Victoria Mxenge Hospital) — Delivering Advanced Healthcare, Education, and Excellence Since 1936.






