The Western Cape Department of Health says it is aware of photos circulating on social media of patients standing outside in the rain in front of Bishop Lavis Community Health Centre, but says it cannot allow them in before staff arrive.

Images spark concern

Graham Lindhorst, chairperson of the Bishop Lavis Policing Forum, posted pictures online of, among others, senior citizens and children standing in the rain, waiting for the clinic to open.

“This is how patients, including the elderly and babies, are made to stand in the rain, wind and sun on a daily basis at the Bishop Lavis Day Hospital waiting for hours to access health services. Sies!” he says.

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TygerBurger approached the provincial government for comment on the situation at the clinic. “Bishop Lavis management is aware of the images circulating on social media, understood to have been taken before the clinic opened on 21 October 2026. We recognise the discomfort patients experience waiting outdoors, particularly in poor weather, but for patient safety and security, we cannot allow people on the grounds without staff being on duty,” says Megan Davids, departmental spokesperson.

Mothers and babies prioritised

According to her, the facility operates from 07:00 to 16:00, with maternity and obstetric services available 24 hours a day.

“Once opened, patients can access the facility for shelter, while being directed to the relevant services. We encourage use of the appointment system where applicable to avoid queues outside. If patients have a medical emergency while the clinic is closed, they should access their nearest 24-hour emergency centre. Patients are triaged by medical urgency, with older persons, mothers and babies, and persons with disabilities prioritised according to need. We acknowledge the strain of waiting times, currently averaging more than three hours, and are improving patient flow and service delivery to reduce delays,” she says.

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