The official opening of the newly renovated and extended Gansbaai Clinic and the newly built clinic in Villiersdorp has given health services in the Overberg a great boost.
Western Cape Health MEC Dr Nomafrench Mbombo attended the official opening of both clinics last week.
The newly built and extended primary health-care (PHC) facilities now boast modern designs and contemporary layouts that guarantee improved services, quality of care and improved patient experience.
With bigger record areas and dedicated windows for various services, patient files can now be drawn more quickly, while colour-coded signage and designated areas for services will allow patients to access their required services easier and quicker.
On the whole, the bigger facilities allow for more consultation rooms, which enable more patients to be seen at the same time.
The staff have also started implementing an appointment system and introducing a fast lane for certain medication and services.
In her keynote address Mbombo thanked all role-players who played an important part in making the building and opening these two facilities a success.
She also emphasised the importance of government structures, political structures and the community working together to ensure the health facilities work well and that health becomes everyone’s business.
It was also mentioned that health facilities belong to everyone, and it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the building, while ensuring the community lives a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
“The building of hospitals does not mean there are fewer illnesses,” the MEC pointed out. “We are the Department of Health and Wellness – wellness is the act of practising healthy habits on a daily basis for better physical and mental health, which means it starts with you.”
Gansbaai Clinic, which forms part of the Overstrand District Cape Agulhas Sub-district, serves an estimated population of 16 803 people and sees an average of 34 338 people per year. Villiersdorp Clinic forms part of the Theewaterskloof Sub-district and serves an estimated population of 16 413 people and sees an average of 42 092 people per year.
The expansion and upgrade of Gansbaai Clinic started on 12 March 2019, and with the Covid-19 pandemic causing many delays, the facility was completed only on 4 July 2022. The total cost of the project was R31 million.
Additional services at the facility include an emergency treatment unit, ambulance bay, infectious diseases unit and medical waste and refuse facilities.
The R30,2 million project in Villiersdorp started in 2015 when the business plan was submitted, and building of the facility commenced on 25 October 2021 and the process and practical completion was reached on 28 November 2022.
Additions to this new building includes an oral health unit, additional patient ablution facilities, additional parking space for staff and visitors, improved pharmacy layout, inclusive of a chronic dispensing management and storage area, bigger records and file management area and three service hatches, inclusive of space to accommodate the newly appointed admission clerks and interns.
Roché Butler, spokesperson for the Health Department in the Overberg, stated that the department aims to improve services and quality of care at all health care facilities.
