HOUT BAY – The Hout Bay Family Health Day Clinic once again drew long queues at Sentinel Primary School. Parents held children’s clinic cards, and elderly residents waited patiently for medical attention. This annual event is a lifeline for many families in Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg. It demonstrates the critical role of the clinic in providing healthcare.
By the end of the day, the clinic had assisted more than 420 residents. It completed over 1 500 consultations across dentistry, general medicine, gynaecology, paediatrics, eye testing, trauma support, mental health services and more. Many residents rely on these services for their healthcare needs.
Why the clinic matters
Accessing healthcare remains difficult for many communities in Hout Bay. Public clinics are overburdened. Meanwhile, private medical services are inaccessible for most households. This makes the organising of the Hout Bay Family Health Day Clinic even more valuable.
The Rotary Club of Hout Bay continues to host the clinic each year in partnership with SHAWCO (Students’ Health and Welfare Centres Organisation) and the University of the Western Cape’s dentistry faculty. A wide network of NGOs, medical professionals and volunteers also participate. This Family Health Day Clinic remains a testament to strong community partnerships.
Rotary president Adele Hayden said the growing turnout shows the impact of the event. It is organised by the Hout Bay Family Health Day Clinic team.
“We assisted 420 patients and provided more than 1 500 consultations. The range of services, from dental extractions to trauma counselling, shows how essential this clinic is. Each year it grows, and each year the community reminds us why we must continue.”
Community effort drives the event
Behind the scenes, more than 300 volunteers powered the clinic. Medical specialists, therapists, students, community health workers and high school learners volunteered their time. Some travelled from as far as Dunoon to act as runners and assistants for the Hout Bay Family Health Day services.
Learners and the principal of Westerford High School also joined the effort. This showed strong inter-community support, which is vital to the Family Health Day Clinic’s success.
Hayden praised the generosity of participants.
“This was a true community effort. Local businesses also helped. Clay Café prepared 500 hot meals, Love in a Bowl delivered them, and Massimo’s Pizza donated garlic pitas. Everyone contributed to making the day successful at the Hout Bay Family Health Day Clinic.”
