This week, Premier Alan Winde assessed the service delivery at Khayelitsha District Hospital (KDH).
He acknowledged the staff’s commitment and expressed the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) gratitude for their professionalism in the face of an increasing patient load, limited resources and other challenges.
‘We at the Western Cape Government (WCG) cannot express our gratitude enough. From the nurses and doctors to the administrative and cleaning staff, you all ensure this facility is run professionally and efficiently,’ said the Premier.
He added, ‘Despite various challenges, Khayelitsha District Hospital can be proud that you are all providing the best possible service for people accessing healthcare here. No patient will be refused emergency and basic medical care and treatment.’
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Khayelitsha’s healthcare demands are high, dealing with violence, maternal and child health, communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases.
The hospital grapples with medical and trauma cases, including injuries from accidents, burns and violence.
Critical position vacancies, delayed surgeries, staff safety concerns and a budget cut of R121.987 million to the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness have compounded the strain.
During the visit, Nursing Sister Nolubabalo Sixishi noted the need for more staff and increased ward capacity in the paediatric unit.
Dr Crispin Kibamba, in the Emergency Centre, reported treating up to 3,500 patients monthly, with trauma-related admissions forming a significant portion. The last three weekends in January saw nearly 700 patients in the EC alone.
The hospital’s psychiatric unit, designed for 30 patients, currently cares for about 80.
Premier Winde also visited the Nonceba Family Counselling Centre in Khayelitsha. Recently receiving load-shedding relief packs from the WCG, the centre supports gender-based violence survivors.
Winde praised the centre’s vital role and the support provided to survivors.
‘We will do all we can to help these kinds of facilities, given the critical work they do for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). I am deeply impressed with this centre, which offers GBV survivors a caring environment where they can heal,’ he said.
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Picture: Premier Alan Winde / Facebook
