The Bothasig clinic is now operating as a day hospital after residents complained that they had to travel too far for chronic medication and other medical care.
The City of Cape Town ran the Swellengrebel Avenue facility, which opened in 2008, until late last year when it was taken over by province.
Now formally dubbed a community day centre (CDC), it offers a wider range of services.
About 30 people attended its official opening on Wednesday February 22, including Health MEC Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, Ward 5 councillor Helen Carstens and Bothasig residents.
Dr Mbombo commended residents – who have long complained about inadequate services at the facility – for “claiming their health”. (“Q&A session on future of Bothasig clinic,” Tabletalk, March 9, 2016).
“Bothasig is a clear example that you don’t need to burn tyres or be rude to get what you need,” said Dr Mbombo.
She praised Ms Carstens for her role in the clinic’s transferral to province.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that our clients have access to quality primary health care services. That is why our focus for this year is patient-centred care. We are serious about putting our clients first,” said Dr Mbombo.
Under the City the clinic rendered nurse-based services, such as: basic ante-natal care, mother-and-child health care, immunisation, growth monitoring and advice, preventative services for children under five, curative services for children under 13, treatment of sexually
transmitted infections, reproductive health, TB and HIV care and nutritional services.
The facility will now have a full-time medical officer and offer chronic disease management for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma. There will also be a pharmacy, mental health services, wound care and eye care.
Patients needing X-rays and dentistry will be referred to the Goodwood day hospital.
“Before there were many complaints about the clinic, but now I receive so many compliments and praise about it. My deepest thanks to the MEC,” said Ms Carstens.
