New Thembalethu Clinic to open on Monday

Construction on the new Thembalethu Clinic has been completed and the building has been handed over to the Western Cape Department of Health. The preliminary opening date is this coming Monday, 14 May.

When the George Herald visited the premises in Nelson Mandela Boulevard on Tuesday 8 May, the big move from the old Thembalethu Clinic, which is closing down, was taking place. The huge, modern facility with an area of 3 490m2 cost R61-million. Its attractive entrance features a beautiful mosaic wall that depicts a bustling street scene with the Outeniqua mountain in the background.

According to the departmental spokesperson, Nadia Ferreira, it will be staffed by 44 people, the same number as at the old clinic.

She said talk of a 24-hour service is not true. “A 24-hour service will be considered in the future, depending on budget availability. The services to be delivered are primary health care, dentistry and rehabilitation. Between 400 and 500 patients can be handled here daily.”

The clinic hours are 07:30 to 16:00 on weekdays. Contact the clinic on 044 814 1500 or 044 814 1501.

Thembalethu residents can also make use of the Kuyasa Clinic in Qhawa Street next to the high school.

Read an article on the mosaic mural at the day care clinic on page 30.

Photo: Alida de Beer Sister Phylicia Jeposa, assistant nurse manager, and the staff are pleased with their new working environment. This is the spacious entrance. Sindile April (right) will be the first point of contact for visiting patients and will assist and direct them to the appropriate section of the clinic.