Provincial Minister of Health, Pierre Uys, Opens Revamped Trauma Unit at Elsies River

A revamped trauma unit which practically doubles the capacity of the old unit, was opened by the Western Cape Provincial Health Minister, Pierre Uys, at the Elsiesriver Community Health Centre this week.

"Our new six-bed trauma unit with its own waiting room, consultation chamber, dedicated chairs for asthma sufferers, new ablution facilities which can also accommodate the handicapped and which also has its own funeral parlour, is a far cry from the old four-bed trauma unit which was struggling to cope with the daily congestion," says Uys.

The unit serves the communities of Elsies River, Matroosfontein, Leonsdale, Eureka, Clarke and Balvenie Estates, Epping Forest, The Range, Connaught Estate and Uitsig. After hours the unit also serves the entire Tygerberg sub-district - in total some 43 000 people.

In addition to the upgraded trauma unit the health center was also equipped with a centralised oxygen system replacing the old mobile system, an intercom and a fire-alarm system.

"The upgrading of our health facilities in the province is ongoing, prioritising the facilities where the need is the greatest, with the ultimate aim of good health facilities accessible to all," says Uys.

Issued by:
The Directorate Communications
Office of the Superintendent of Health, Western Cape
Department of Health

Herman van der Westhuizen
Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of Health
+27 483 2627