The City’s Health Department has budgeted approximately R19 million for security upgrades at clinics. These security upgrades and scaling up of facilities are to ensure that they comply with national core standards.
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According to the City, it comprises the bulk of the planned capital expenditure for the current financial year, adding up to just over R32 million.
Security upgrades include measures like burglar bars and doors to alarm systems, metal detectors and other necessary measures to ensure more relaible safety.”
“Our clinics and other community facilities are not immune to attacks, whether it is theft and break-ins and the associated vandalism, staff being hijacked as they arrive or leave their places of work, or as we’ve witnessed in recent months, brazen armed robberies,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
The Councillor also highlighted how committed the City is to ensuring the safety of staff and clients, saying: “We are constantly re-evaluating how we can further enhance security at these facilities. However, ensuring that these clinics are safe spaces, is a shared responsibility.”
She condemned culprits who break in or rob and vandalise these healthcare facilities.
“It is unacceptable that criminals think they can target the very facilities that their families rely on, and so I call on communities to speak out against these acts, but also identify those responsible when incidents happen, so that they can face the consequences of their actions,” said Van der Ross.
In addition, as part of the City’s drive to increase the number of clinics that meet the national core standards criteria, the City’s Health Department has set aside R12 million for this year.
The core standards are governed by a statutory body – the Office of Health Standards Compliance – which has legislative authority to provide facilities with compliance certificates. Among the considerations for compliance are: facility infrastructure and resources, staffing levels, level of care provided to clients, and patient rights.
Furthermore, work is scheduled to get under way on two new multi-year upgrade projects at the Tafelsig and Sir Lowry’s Pass clinics, according to the City’s Health Department.”
Other projects that are carrying on from the previous financial year, include the upgrade of the TB area at Sarepta Clinic,” concludes Van Der Ross.
Projects that were completed in the last 12 months were:
- Construction of Fisantekraal Clinic
- Pharmacy extension project at Bloekombos Clinic
- Extensions at Scottsdene and Masincedane Clinics
- Parking lot project at Masiphumelele Clinic
- Generators were installed at various clinics
- Upgrades at Uitsig and Phillipi Clinics
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