Brackengate Intermediate Care Facility receives first patients

On Monday, 20 July 2020, the Brackengate Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) in Brackenfell, Cape Town, admitted the first ten COVID-19 patients into the 338-bed facility. Staff members received the first patient with a hearty welcome, wishing them a speedy recovery.

"It was a proud moment to receive the first patients at Brackengate ICF. It is truly remarkable to have witnessed an empty warehouse being converted into a state-of-the-art field hospital and today welcoming the first patient. As a team of dedicated healthcare workers, we are determined to deliver a high standard of care in this space in the fight against COVID-19," says Dr Barry Smith, CEO of the Brackengate ICF.

Brackengate ICF provides intermediate care to patients who require hospitalisation and oxygen, but who are not critical. The facility is equipped with oxygen at each bed, and a further eight beds fitted for high flow nasal oxygen. It is also paperless and has WiFi connectivity so patients can connect to their loved ones at home.

Western Cape Government Health wishes to thank all role-players for their dedication and tireless work to prepare the facility and ensuring it can accept its first patients on Monday.

Individuals and companies wanting to get involved as part of our ongoing Spread the Warmth Mandela Day campaign, can donate toiletry packs, fleece blankets, socks, or clean three-layer cloth masks to the facility to make our patients’ stay more comfortable. Please contact Harry Grainger at The Health Foundation for more information on how to donate: 021 418 1580 / 072 6133 719 / Harry@thehealthfoundation.org.za.

You can also drop off your care packs. Carefully label it with “Spreading Warmth” and your name and drop it off at: The Health Foundation offices (16^th Floor Norton Rose House, 8 Riebeek Street, Cape Town).