The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is prioritising the health and safety of all patients during this cold season. With winter upon us, many people are navigating healthcare facilities visits amidst cold and wet conditions.
“While winter brings its own set of challenges, we want to ensure that your visit to your local clinic is safe and comfortable,” says Deidre Poole, the Assistant Manager for Nursing for clinics in the Southern and Western sub-districts.
Healthcare facilities across the province have appointment systems in place to ensure that you can cut down on longer waiting times and only arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.
Poole encourages residents to make use of the appointment system and to reach out to local facility managers if they have any concerns.
“As we navigate the challenges of winter, the safety and well-being of our patients when visiting our clinics, are our top priority. This is especially important when it concerns our elderly and other vulnerable groups. We ask that you only arrive 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the clinic you visit, before your appointment to reduce your waiting time.
“We also encourage residents to visit the facility when it is open to ensure their safety. If you are unhappy with your experience at our local clinics, please let us know by using the correct channels, such as your facility manager, the facility suggestion box, your health committee or the provincial client support centre, to share your concerns.”
Here are more ways that residents can stay warm and safe this winter:. Avoid queues: Reduce early queueing in cold and wet conditions by making use of the appointment system. By scheduling your visit, you can ensure a smoother experience upon arrival.. Arrive on time: Arriving on time not only helps us to manage queues, but can reduce waiting times for others. If you cannot attend your appointment and need to reschedule, please reach out to your clinic to set a new date.. Prioritising vulnerable groups: We understand the importance of protecting our vulnerable patients, such as the elderly and children, during cold weather. We ask for your understanding as we prioritise their needs on bad-weather days, ensuring their safety and well-being.. Safety first: Your safety is important to us. Queueing in the dark poses a security risk, and we encourage visitors to arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes before their appointment, whenever possible. This precautionary measure ensures visibility and enhances overall safety.. Speak to us; be heard: Your feedback matters, whether it’s concerns about long queues or discomfort during cold weather conditions. Provide suggestions how we can improve services. We are committed to listening and improving our services. Help us serve you better by sharing your feedback with our facility managers through these channels:
• SMS: Send the word “Help” followed by your name, the nature of your suggestion or complaint, facility, and, if applicable, the name of a staff member, to 31022.
• Call: Dial 0860 142 142 and press “1” to speak with a representative.
• Please Call Me: Reach out via 079 769 1207, and we will promptly assist you.
• Email: Send your concerns to service@westerncape.gov.za, and we will address them with care and urgency.
• Share anonymous feedback: Share your concerns by adding your name or remaining anonymous. Simply add your feedback to your facility’s suggestion or complaints box.. What about accessing emergency care? You can access emergency care at your local clinic. Remember, we follow the triage system. This means that when patients enter a facility, they are assessed and triaged to ensure that they are seen according to the degree of urgency their condition requires.
Patients are triaged green, yellow, orange or red, with red representing being the most urgent cases.
If you are triaged yellow and green and you do not require a life-saving intervention, this could mean that you will have a much longer waiting time if visiting a facility’s emergency centre, especially when it is very busy over weekends and after hours.
Poole adds, “We also attend to patients arriving at our clinics that are ‘unbooked’ or – in other words – arrive at our facility due to illness, but they have no appointment. Because patients believe they are seen based on their arrival time, they often arrive as early as possible. We need our patients to know that when they do not have a booking, they are triaged and will be treated according to the level of urgency based on their medical need.”
