Groote Schuur Hospital opens improved Emergency and Trauma Centre
For families rushing through hospital doors during moments of crisis, every minute matters. Behind every emergency admission is a patient in need of urgent care and loved ones seeking reassurance, answers, and support during one of the most difficult times of their lives.
It is with these patients and families at the heart of its service that Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) has opened its improved Emergency and Trauma Centre, representing a significant investment in the future of emergency and trauma care in the Western Cape. While the facility is already operational and serving patients, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and Groote Schuur Hospital will officially launch the centre on 6 October 2026.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness invested approximately R200 million in the project, marking an important milestone in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and creating an environment designed to support both patients and healthcare teams.
The Emergency Centre commenced operations in the new facility on 28 July 2026, followed by the Trauma Centre on 12 August 2026.
The upgraded facility features modern clinical infrastructure, advanced medical technology, dedicated trauma treatment areas, and enhanced resuscitation facilities, all carefully designed to support the delivery of emergency and trauma care in a purpose-built environment.
The project was further enhanced through the support of philanthropic donors working with the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust. Their contributions funded vital clinical equipment, including digital mobile X-ray units, ventilators, ultrasound machines, transport monitors, and other essential technologies that support patient care in emergency settings.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said the investment will strengthen Groote Schuur Hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies with both urgency and care.
“Groote Schuur’s Emergency Centre is one of the busiest in Africa, treating between 3 500 and 4 500 patients every month. Our patients and staff deserve a facility that is equipped to respond effectively when people need urgent care, whether they arrive with serious injuries, acute medical conditions or surgical emergencies. This investment is ultimately about the people of the Western Cape: ensuring they can access the quality, compassionate emergency care they need when it matters most.”
Beyond the clinical improvements, the new centre recognises that medical emergencies affect not only patients, but also the families and loved ones waiting alongside them. Dedicated family and relative waiting areas have been incorporated into the facility, creating welcoming spaces where relatives can remain close by while receiving updates from healthcare teams.
The centre also introduces a dedicated Patient Liaison Officer; a role created in response to feedback received from patients and families over the years. One such family member, Mr Nkosi Wakashe, reflected on his experience in the former C15 Emergency Centre while his mother was receiving care.
"During a very difficult time when my mother was admitted, one of the challenges we faced was not knowing where to go for information or who to approach with our questions. There was nobody available to guide us through the process or provide updates, which added to an already stressful situation for our family. When a loved one is in hospital, you are already worried and anxious and not having someone to answer your questions only make that experience harder."
The establishment of the Patient Liaison Officer demonstrates how the hospital has listened to the experiences of patients and their loved ones and translated that feedback into meaningful improvements. This dedicated role will assist families by providing guidance, facilitating communication, and helping relatives navigate the emergency care environment during times of uncertainty.
As a patient-centred department, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is committed to ensuring that care extends beyond clinical treatment, recognising the importance of supporting patients, families, and loved ones during some of life's most challenging moments.
Dr Shaheem de Vries, Chief Executive Officer of Groote Schuur Hospital, said the project reflects a commitment to delivering patient-centred care while supporting patients and their families throughout their healthcare journey.
"This achievement reflects what can be accomplished through strong partnerships. We are grateful to the donors who have supported Groote Schuur Hospital through the Hospital Trust and helped equip the facility with technology that will directly benefit patients and healthcare teams."
Reflecting on the significance of the development, Dr De Vries added:
"The opening of the improved Emergency and Trauma Centre is a landmark achievement for Groote Schuur Hospital and the communities we serve. Every aspect of the centre has been designed with patients at its core, from the clinical infrastructure and specialised equipment to the dedicated spaces that support emergency and trauma care."
The improved Emergency and Trauma Centre represents more than a new building. It reflects an investment in patient-centred care, modern healthcare infrastructure and the experience of every person who enters its doors, whether as a patient, family member, or healthcare worker.
As one of South Africa's leading tertiary hospitals, Groote Schuur Hospital continues to invest in infrastructure, innovation, and patient-centred care, strengthening its role as a centre of excellence in healthcare, teaching and research for the benefit of the communities it serves.