The eco-friendly Hermanus Community Day Centre(CDC) is nearing completion and is expected to open its doors early next year. The R 43 million CDC was designed and constructed to make optimal use of natural light and air flow to ensure that it will be an environmentally friendly and sustainable building. The CDC will function as the only Primary Healthcare facility in Hermanus, replacing the current Zwelihle, Mount Pleasant and Hermanus Clinics.
On Friday, 14 November 2014, Western Cape Health Minister, Theuns Botha visited the facility, he stated that: "This new facility is yet another addition to the investment that Western Cape Government is making to bring health services closer to you. This community day centre is a beautifully constructed health facility, designed in line with world trends. It has open spaces, and enclosed waiting areas. There are rooms for patients who meet in clubs for their chronic medication, and it is safe and secure. Now patients don't have to walk long distances. They have a modern facility close to them."
The CDC is centrally located in Swartdam Road, less than 5km walking distance from Hermanus and Mount Pleasant to ensure that all community members have easy access to quality health care. The close proximity to the Hermanus Hospital will also be advantageous for emergency medical transfers.
The current clinics (Zwelihle, Mount Pleasant and Hermanus Clinics) will close down in a phased approach, this will ensure that the community will always have access to Primary Healthcare services. Staff from the current clinics will be absorbed into the Hermanus CDC along with 14 new staff members. The CDC will have a full staff compliment including a permanently appointed medical doctor and dentist.
The new CDC will offer the full primary health care package, including: women’s health; child health; mental health; infectious diseases; oral health; rehab services; curative and chronic care. The CDC’s design ensures effective infection prevention and control thus reducing the burden of disease.
The Department will take occupation of the building in December 2014 and the necessary equipment will be then be installed.
Natasha Peterson
Communications Officer: Overberg District
Tel: 028 214 5800
Email: Natasha.Peterson@westerncape.gov.za