Wesfleur Hospital to Undergo R14-Million Reconstruction

Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha, visited the Wesfleur Hospital in Atlantis on 5 June to inspect the maintenance and upgrade work currently in process, and to discuss next year's R11-million reconstruction of the emergency services unit at the hospital.

The four-month upgrade and maintenance work started on Friday and is expected to be complete by the end of September. Comprising more than R3 million, this year's upgrade work includes the following:

• An upgrade of the main gate.
• The pharmacy itself will be extended into the current patient waiting area to create more working space.
• A new pharmacy waiting area which will improve patient flow.
• The construction of three TB consulting rooms with a sputum booth, which will assist with infection control.
• General renovations to waiting areas, ventilation systems, floors and ceilings, emergency exit and passage doors, cupboards and toilets.

Next year, R11-million's worth of construction work will start for a new emergency unit and paediatric ward. Minister Botha said there has been a significant increase in emergency and day patient numbers which necessitated a renovation of the emergency unit. The architect plans have been drafted. Construction is expected to be complete by end 2014.

Last year, maintenance work was also done on the overnight ward and dental unit, floors and toilets, and airconditioners were replaced.

Minister Botha called on patients and visitors who use the hospital to take care and ensure the upkeep of the hospital: "It's your hospital. If the community takes care and responsibility for the hospital, and Western Cape Government provides healthcare, we are better together."

Minister Botha was accompanied by MP Denise Robinson and local councilors.

Background Notes on Wesfleur Hospital:

• Wesfleur Hospital was built in 1977.
• The hospital has 31 beds.
• It serves a population of about 150 000.
• Nearby clinics are in Pella, Mamre, Saxonsea, Protea Park, Camphill Village and Witsand.
• The geographic location of Atlantis poses major transport challenges for hospital referrals. Often patients do not attend their appointments at Groote Schuur Hospital or Somerset Hospital because they are unable to pay transport fees.
• The hospital facility board is very active and committed to generate funds to assist the hospital and its staff.
• The hospital's 24 -hour services include trauma, maternity and inpatients.
• The hospital's eight-hour services include a Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission unit, Outpatients, chronic clinics, physiotherapy services, mental health, outreach specialist clinics, radiography, a pharmacy, rehabilitation services, a HIV testing and wellness clinic and family counselling service.