Khayelitsha Hospital Facility Board Appointed

The first open day of the new Khayelitsha District Hospital was an opportunity for the Western Cape Government Health Department to introduce this brand-new state-of-the-art health facility to stakeholders other than patients.

Western Cape Health Minister Theuns Botha said that the commissioning of the hospital marks a milestone of improved service delivery for the people of the Western Cape. "Finally, after a lifetime of travelling to distant hospitals, the people of Khayelitsha now have access to a hospital in their immediate vicinity that will compare to the best in the world. That certainly is a step closer to the Western Cape of our dreams and our Premier's vision for this government to become the best regional government in the world."

"The hospital architecture is in line with international health design trends, and with wind power generators, landscaped gardens, fountains and relaxation areas, it is truly a place of healing and in line with our government's objective of creating wellness. It is a facility which demonstrates that when government provides quality care to people who depend on public health services we are better together," said Minister Botha.

Once fully commissioned, the hospital will deliver a quality health service to approximately 500 000 to 1 500 000 people in the Khayelitsha area.

Update on the Commissioning of the Hospital

• The adult general wards opened on 16 January 2012. To date, 708 patients have been treated as emergency cases. A total of 211 patients were admitted to the medical and surgical wards.
• The Emergency Centre opened on 1 February 2012. The Khayelitsha Site B CHC will initially continue as a 24-hour service.
• The paediatric wards opened on Monday, 13 February 2012. To date, five patients have been treated. Until the end of March 2012, patients requiring more specialist and sub-specialist care will be treated at Khayelitsha Hospital. Thereafter, all patients requiring more specialist and sub-specialist care will be referred to Tygerberg Hospital.
• The obstetrics wards opened yesterday, 15 February 2012.

Introduction of the Khayelitsha Hospital First Facility Board

In terms of the Western Cape Health Facility Boards Act, 2001, the minister must appoint a board of not less than eight but not more than 14 members. The board must include the head of the facility and at least one person representing the clinical staff and one person representing non-clinical staff. Members must represent the surrounding community and at least one person should have technical expertise (finance or law). The minister may appoint a member of the Provincial Parliament, one or more elected local councillors and a representative of the department.

The appointed board is as follows:

• Dr Anwar Kharwa, head of the facility.
• Dr Ramanare Magampa, clinical staff representative.
• Dr Noxolo Xotyeni, clinical staff representative.
• Mr Sheppard Pye, non-clinical staff representative.

Board members representing the community in alphabetical order are:

• Mr Sandile Bontsa of Khayelitsha - nominated by the Phaphamani Bafazi Community Organisation for his diligence.
• Dr Gregory Davids of Plumstead - nominated by the Khayelitsha Development Forum for his planning and policy knowledge.
• Mr Ibrahim Ismail of Goodwood - nominated by the Kensington Factreton Residence Association for his support for businesses in Khayelitsha.
• Mr Dawood Khan of Kensington - nominated by the Kensington Factreton Residence Association for his experience on a variety of hospital boards.
• Ms Nocawe Mankayi of Khayelitsha - nominated by the Khayelitsha Development Forum for her involvement with the hospital from the beginning.
• Ms Libo May of Gugulethu - nominated by the Sivukile Women's Development Project for her involvement with women's issues.
• Mr Albert Ntsodo of Khayelitsha - nominated by the SA Leisure Tourism and Hospitality Association for his enthusiasm on health issues.
• Mr Zamayedwa Sogayise of Durbanville - nominated by the Khayelitsha Development Forum for his community development involvement.

At their first meeting, the board will elect a chairperson.