Hanover Park Community Health Centre Doors to Re-Open

The Department of Health decided yesterday to close the Hanover Park Community Health Centre (CHC) as it became increasingly difficult to secure staff and patient safety after eruption of gang violence in the area. The sudden closure came about after two (2) incidences where staff safety was compromised. A pregnant junior doctor was threatened by patient's escorts inside of the facility on 16 October 2010. On Wednesday, 27 October a stray bullet, emanating from a gun battle in the adjacent taxi rank penetrated a wall of the pharmacy at the facility. The projectile narrowly missed a staff member.

The decision to close the facility was made to ensure staff and patient safety as well as to mitigate the psychological impact of the violence on staff. Emergency cases were then diverted to surrounding health facilities, including GF Jooste hospital.

Management met with the South African Police Service (SAPS) earlier this morning to secure a twenty-four (24) hour police presence on the grounds as well as at the staff entrance of the facility. SAPS have also committed to escort both night and day staff from the nearest police station in Phillipi to the entrance of the facility.

Minister Botha visited the facility today and has indicated that the Hanover Park CHC will re-open its doors tomorrow morning and services will commence as per normal.

Hanover Park CHC attends to approximately eight hundred (800) patients per day, three thousand five hundred (3 500) per week and fifteen thousand (15 000) per month. The Department employs one hundred and twenty-three (123) staff members at this facility.

Issued by:
Directorate Communications
Western Cape Department of Health