‘No disruptions expected at hospitals and schools’

HOSPITALS and most schools in Kimberley have indicated that they will not suffer any disruptions during today’s Armed Forces parade.

The spokesperson for the provincial Department of Health, Lulu Mxekezo, said that they have taken alternative measures to ensure that patients and emergencies are attended to at the Kimberley Hospital Complex.

“We have opened the gates in Synagogue and Lyndhurst streets for patients who need access to the hospital. Access from the main gate will be troublesome as it is situated in the red zone of the parade area. We cannot, however, close our doors for the day nor chase anyone away as we are an essential service. Services at the hospital will continue as normal,” said Mxekezo.

The spokesperson for Mediclinic Kimberley, Denise Coetzee, said services at their facility will also not be affected.

“We have put up a notice to visitors to make use of the back door when they come to visit their loved ones. Visitors can also park at the back and easily make their way into the facility. Our emergency facility is situated at Mediclinic Gariep so that service will not be affected at all,” said Coetzee.

The spokesperson for the provincial Department of Education, Geoffrey van der Merwe, said that they have left the decision regarding the closure of schools in the red zone in the hands of the principals.

“We have identified St Patrick’s College, Diamantveld High School, Kimberley Boys’ High and Kimberley Girls’ High schools as being in the red zone. St. Patrick’s College has closed the school due to the disruptions and difficulty for parents to gain access to the school. The principals of the schools were left with the decision on whether schools should be open or closed for the day. None of the principals of the other schools have said that they will also close. All other schools in the city will continue as normal,” said van der Merwe.