“If we entered Hermanus Hospital into a ‘World class’ District Hospital competition, I am sure that it would win!” stated Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha while on visit to the newly renovated and upgraded hospital on 7 June 2013. Minister Botha who was accompanied by the Head of Department, Professor Craig Househam and other members of the departments’ executive management, visited the facility to meet patients and staff to gauge how they experience the hospital. The visit was planned after the facility had received a number of complaints in the media.
The facility, which had 47 beds and a staff compliment of 86 staff members, now boasts 71 beds and 126 staff members. The upgrade, which cost over R60 million, was facilitated in answer to the growing number of patients in the Overstrand area.
While talking to staff, Minister Botha said, “Western Cape Government Health is making a confirmed commitment to the community of Hermanus and the towns that surround it. We are fulfilling our responsibility of providing the necessary services and staff to manage them. However, it is unfortunate that sometimes unjust criticism from the community breaks the morale of our staff.”
The project has included the following new areas and upgrades:
• A state of-the-art emergency unit
• Maternity and kangaroo mother care ward
• Male and paediatric wards
• Theatres
• Out-patients facilities
• Laboratory
• Pharmacy
• Improved patient waiting areas
The official opening of the facility is planned for 9 September 2013.
The Minister took the time to talk to patients, one of whom, Hermanus resident, Jack Symons told how he has been a patient for 22 years and that he is most satisfied with the service he receives.
He stated, “It is always a pleasure to visit the hospital, the staff are so friendly. I really want to congratulate them on their lovely new building and on-going hard work.”