‘Even though I have to sit outside and wait for a bit, it is still easier than walking to the clinic, especially for vaccinations!’ said one of the moms that attended the health day.
The partnership between Western Cape Government and the Rotary International organisation is an established event on the health calendar. This year, it was decided to take the services to the community. The specific days have been in the planning stages for some time and not only includes health staff, but also the younger team of the Care Club, a local youth group, that assisted the Rotary team with exciting activities for the kids.
Lorna and David Reade of Rotary Worcester are the organisers of the event and, among other things, they made sure that the visitors had something to eat and drink. ‘It is always a pleasure to be involved with the community,’ Ms Reade said, while her husband, David, mentioned that this year’s outreach, that was held at the Avian Park Containers, was the most successful to date. He added: ‘Everyone works very hard to make this event a success. It is wonderful that 533 people attended the event to have either their own or their children’s health checked.’
The relevant health staff, all from the Breede Valley, mentioned that it was really nice to be out in the community and that the spirit among the people and all the activities were a unique experience. ‘Nobody really wants to visit a clinic when they are not ill,’ Sr Elisia Malgas said. ‘The atmosphere created is so positive and fun-filled that even though the patients have to wait for a while, they are chatting and making contact with others.’
The Department thanks everyone involved in this initiative.
Jo-Anne Otto
Principal Communications Officer: Cape Winelands District
WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT HEALTH
Tel: +27 23 348 8100
Cell: 072 8080 106
E-mail: Jo-Anne.Otto@westerncape.gov.za