Western Cape public health services record more than 130 000 cases over the festive season
Every year, the festive season places increased pressure on emergency services in the Western Cape as population movement, travel and celebrations lead to a predictable surge in emergencies.
Between 15 December 2025 and 14 January 2026, Emergency Centres across the province treated more than 130 000 patients, while Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to over 47 000 incidents. Taken together, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness responded to more than 177 000 emergency cases during this period.
Sustained pressure on EMS
EMS teams responded to a total of 47 351 emergency calls across all districts with the highest demand recorded in the City of Cape Town, Garden Route and Cape Winelands, driven by population density and seasonal migration, with volumes remaining consistently high throughout the month.
Despite the surge, routine interfacility transfers of patients between facilities continued and accounted for 15 879 cases, ensuring continuity of care across the system.
Trauma remained a major driver of demand, with EMS responding to 7 353 assault‑related cases and 1 437 motor vehicle incidents. Seasonal risks also increased, with 93 drowning incidents and multiple wilderness and Table Mountain rescues, highlighting greater exposure in coastal, rural and recreational areas.
EMS Director Craig Wylie said: “Emergency Medical Services have been under immense pressure during the festive season. The EMS teams have demonstrated exceptional commitment and resilience. Our call takers, dispatchers and ambulance crews have answered thousands of urgent pleas for help, often under challenging conditions, and kept going with professionalism and heart. I’m profoundly grateful to our teams for being responsive to the needs of our community and our patients.”
Pressure on Emergency Centres
Emergency Centres recorded a total of 130 004 patient admissions, including 29 272 trauma cases and 93 755 non‑trauma cases.
Early indicators show that patients with chronic medical conditions made up a large proportion of EC admissions. This added to the trauma load , increasing waiting time at many facilities. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness encourages people with chronic conditions to actively manage their conditions and adhere to medications throughout the year.
Trauma-related presentations
Emergency Centres recorded the following trauma cases (HECTIS data):
- Blunt assault: 6 961
- Accidental injuries: 5 043
- Falls: 5 700
- Stab injuries: 4 450
- Motor vehicle accidents: 1 163
- Pedestrian vehicle accidents: 946
- Sports injuries: 1 564
- Bites: 894
- Gunshot wounds: 423
- Burns: 829
- Self-harm: 666
- Sexual offences (Thuthuzela services): 497
- Child abuse: 133
The highest patient volumes were recorded Mitchells Plain District Hospital, Paarl Hospital, George Regional Hospital, Helderberg Hospital and Wesfleur Hospital. Specialised trauma centres, including Groote Schuur Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital, also recorded a high proportion of trauma cases due to their referral role. Patients are often transported to or referred between facilities, meaning the treating hospital does not necessarily reflect where an incident occurred.
From 15 December 2025 to 14 January 2026, most children seen in ECs were treated mainly for non‑trauma related conditions, while falls and accidental injuries remained the leading causes of injury. Overall paediatric visits were lower than the previous festive season, although transport-related cases increased by 30% and some rise in violence-related injuries was recorded.
Among adults, EC primarily treated non-trauma cases. While overall visits declined compared to the previous festive season - including fewer accidental injuries, blunt assaults and falls - serious violence‑related cases such as stabbings and gunshot wounds continued to place pressure on services.
Forensic Pathology Services
The Forensic Pathology Service confirmed 941 deaths during the reporting period. This is in line with the previous year (940 in 2024/25). Declines were recorded in homicide and suicide fatalities, while deaths related to road traffic incidents increased (from 89 in 2024/25 to 117 in 2025/26) and accounted for the largest share. The Department extends its condolences to all those affected and urges the public to continue practicing road safety.
Director for Forensic Pathology Services in the Western Cape, Vonita Thompson, said:
“As the festive period ended, we thank our teams for their unwavering commitment, professionalism and compassion in delivering medico‑legal services under challenging circumstances. While many spent time with loved ones, they continued to ensure dignity for the deceased, compassion for grieving families, and the integrity of the justice and health systems. Your dedication reflects the best of public service.”
Ongoing pressure on emergency services
Preventing injury and violence remains a priority for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and its partners. The Department continues to work with communities and agencies to address violence in all forms, particularly against vulnerable groups.
Dr Saadiq Kariem, Chief of Operations, said: “These numbers again demonstrate the sustained pressure placed on our Emergency Centres over the festive season. Preventable trauma accounts for a significant portion of visits. We appeal to people to take every precaution to avoid preventable emergencies and to use clinics for minor conditions so that EC capacity remains available for those who need it most.”
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, expressed her gratitude to all healthcare teams and residents for working with the Department over this period. “This festive season placed our healthcare system under real pressure with more than 177 000 cases responded to across the province. I want to sincerely thank every healthcare worker, from EMS crews on the road to teams in our hospitals, clinics and emergency centres, who kept showing up for our patients often under demanding conditions. Your dedication and professionalism ensured that care was there when people needed it most.”
Safety and responsible use reminders
- Use emergency centres for severe and life‑threatening conditions only; visit clinics for minor ailments.
- Practice road and water safety; avoid excessive alcohol use; supervise children near water; rest regularly on long trips.
- Manage chronic conditions proactively by adhering to prescribed treatment and planning medication supplies when travelling.
- Be kind and patient with healthcare workers operating under extreme pressure.
Ensure children are always supervised to prevent avoidable injuries such as falls and burns.
Listen to the Festive Season Reviews by WCDHW Minister Wenger and Dr Kariem: