Elsies River clinic could be moved

THE Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has confirmed the possibility of relocating the Elsies River Day Hospital as public participation regarding the matter is due to begin.

The provincially-owned and managed facility is on the corner of 29th Avenue and Halt Road, and provides a 24-hour emergency trauma unit and midwife obstetrics unit, as well as general primary health-care facilities.

Residents have been invited to attend a meeting to discuss the possible move, on Saturday from 10am to 12pm at the Elsies River Civic Centre.

Department spokesperson Shimoney Regter said the meeting formed part of the public participation process.

“It’s an opportunity to listen to and understand the community’s needs and to share ideas. The relocation will only take place if the local community approves of the proposed move and a suitable site can be sourced. However, this is a long-term project,” she said.

Regter said relocating would enable the facility to provide a more comprehensive service.

“With this, we have identified the need of a larger facility, along with the population growth, to expand services and capacity so we can also provide dedicated child health and TB care to everyone who needs it.”

Ward councillor Christopher Jordaan said he supported a relocation, as the Elsies River Day Hospital could not attend to the severe cases of HIV and TB.

“This will be a step in the right direction to build a state-of-the-art facility to accommodate the surrounding areas and this relocation will form part of a node which is in the cards.

“It’s high time that Elsies River be afforded a facility in the area where there is enough parking, safety, a dedicated pharmacy, and that our community organisation could form a collaborative with the new facility.”