Integrated Clinical Solutions

Human compassion
Clinical excellence.

Founded by nursing sister and clinical educator Vanessa Pickford, ICS bridges two worlds — equipping people with life-saving skills through Safe-Med, and walking alongside patients and families through the most profound moments of life through SouthernCross Carers.

Vanessa Pickford, Registered Nurse and founder of ICS
Vanessa Pickford
Registered Nurse · Bachelor of Nursing (Hons in Clinical Education) UCT · Founder, ICS
30+ years in resuscitation, training & patient care management
Training arm
Safe-Med Training Centre
Accredited medical emergency & First Aid training for everyone.
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Caring arm
SouthernCross Carers
Compassionate, coordinated home-based care.
Our approach
Vanessa Pickford
Our founder

Vanessa Pickford

As a Registered Nurse with her Honors in Clinical Education from UCT, Vanessa began her career at Mediclinic Constantiaberg — working in the Medical Ward, Haematology Unit, ICU, Emergency, and Maternity departments.

Working across these environments, Vanessa became acutely aware of two gaps: the lack of emergency response knowledge held by the average South African, and the need for deeply human, coordinated home-based care. In 2007 she obtained accreditation with the Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa and the American Heart Association. In 2014, she founded Integrated Clinical Solutions to address both.

Safe-Med Training Carer Services
SouthernCross Carers

Whole-person home-based care

We believe that care should honour the whole person — their comfort, their dignity, and their relationships. SouthernCross Carers coordinates and works alongside a multidisciplinary, holistic network of specialist partners to support patients and families at home.

Our caring approach
CH
Chariot Health
Palliative care physicians & nurses
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DW
Dee Waugh
Stoma therapists in Cape Town
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What people say

Testimonials

"

The course instructor was charismatic, hands-on and very knowledgeable. I feel confident knowing what to do in an emergency involving one of my learners.

Christa van Ryneveld Grade 1 teacher & Head of Junior Prep, WPPS : First Aid for Children with CPR
"

It was loads of fun and we learnt so much! I now feel equipped to respond confidently if anything happens to my children.

Elsabe Venter Mother & Senior Workshop Administrator : Infant and Child CPR Course
"

She brought freshness and fun to the course without compromising on seriousness. Ayesha was fantastic and made every moment engaging.

Karen Amato Move Strong Pilates : Adult CPR & Medical Emergencies
"

The course was awesome! Your instructor was absolutely excellent. Laughed and learned! The perfect combination.

Llandudno Surf Lifesaving Club Basic First Aid for Adults with CPR
"

An excellent training course. We value the professional presentation and continue to send our staff and interns.

Tasneem Barendse HR Manager, Globeleq : Emergency Care Level 1
"

The workshops have been extremely informative. Our community carers now feel properly equipped to respond in an emergency.

Di Forrester Westlake United Church Trust : Community Healthcare Training
Accredited by
RCSA American Heart Association ITLS SAQA / SETA Mediclinic Partner Discovery Vitality — 1,000 Miles per course