The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of a woman who died in front of a healthcare facility earlier this month.

Collapsed

Sylvia Abrahams collapsed outside the facility while experiencing breathing difficulties. She reportedly arrived around 06:00, before the centre’s 07:00 opening, and was turned away by security guards. Earlier this week, community members picketed outside the Bishop Lavis Community Day Centre to protest what they believe was an unnecessary death.

Megan Davids, departmental spokesperson, says on 2 September 2026, a woman became ill and sadly passed away outside the Bishop Lavis Community Day Centre (CDC). “It is understood that she arrived at the facility at approximately 06:00, before the centre had opened for the day. When staff arrived for duty at 07:00, they found her unresponsive in a wheelchair outside the facility. She was immediately brought inside for assessment, where a doctor sadly confirmed her death. At the time of the incident, the facility was closed and no clinical staff were on site yet. The CDC operates from 07:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, and public access is restricted outside these hours for safety and operational reasons,” says Davids.

Davids says the midwifery team at the Bishop Lavis Midwife Obstetric Unit (MOU), which is on site and provides a 24-hour service for uncomplicated pregnancies and maternity or neonatal emergencies, were unfortunately not alerted to the situation at the time. “Had they been made aware of the emergency, they would have been able to assess the patient, provide assistance where possible, and arrange emergency medical support. Residents requiring urgent medical attention after hours are encouraged to make use of the 24-hour Emergency Centre at Elsies River Community Health Centre. Following the incident, the matter was reported and managed in line with the department’s standard procedures, and the relevant departments were activated to review the circumstances surrounding the patient’s death,” says Davids.

Silent picket

“The department did not engage directly with participants during the silent picket held on 15 September. However, we respect the community’s concerns and remain committed to ongoing engagement through the Bishop Lavis Health Committee, which plays an important role in strengthening communication between the facility and the community it serves. We appreciate feedback from the community and encourage residents to raise concerns or suggestions through the facility manager, the health committee, or the department’s complaints and service channels on 0860 142 142 or at service@westerncape.gov.za. Listening to our communities is an important part of helping us improve the services we provide,” says Davids.

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