This new ethos points to positive change and an equitable future for all South Africans, regardless of their race, colour, culture and religion. Scientific knowledge and technological innovation are essential for capacity building. Their influence through education, staff training, retraining, experimentation and research also points to a common objective that seeks positive change in the future. The people's ability to implement technological innovations as outcomes of research is vital to development. To maximise implementation of research outcomes, health professionals must work collaboratively in order that such research can extend what can be done and ways in which it can be achieved.
Technology also affects where a service is offered and by whom.
In the past, it has promoted centralisation of services. Today, however, the effect is often to facilitate movement the other way. As costs fall and flexibility increases, new approaches can be taken up more easily. Attempts to evaluate activities, carried out unquestioningly in the past, will pose an interesting challenge. Opportunity and development are two key words emanating from drivers of change in this context.