Saul opens revamped maternity ward

THE GALESHEWE Day Hospital’s newly renovated maternity ward was officially opened by Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul, who was accompanied by the MEC for Health, Mase Manopole, on Tuesday.

The 22-bed maternity ward is now equipped with five toilets and the recently completed improvements include the laying of a vinyl floor; painting, plumbing and tiling; replacing non-functional medical gas equipment; and the provision of firefighting equipment.

Patient flow has been redesigned with the installation of dry walls, to ensure security compliance, while CCTV surveillance has also been installed.

A sanitation booth has been installed in an effort to respond to Covid-19 as well as a stand-alone infra thermometer to ensure contactless temperature checking of all health personnel and patients accessing the facility.

According to the Northern Cape Department of Health, local contractors were appointed with procurement of 95% of material taking place locally, in order to empower local SMMES.

This project created jobs for 30 unemployed youths who underwent an accredited skills training course.

The revamped unit has its own dedicated staff and is expected to address the need for maternity health services in the Galeshewe community and the broader Sol Plaatje municipal area.

According to the provincial government, the opening of the renovated unit is part of the local government’s dedication to addressing the needs of the community.