Western Cape Health Minister opening the improved Bothasig Clinic

Western Cape Health Minister opening the improved Bothasig Clinic

Western Cape Health Minister, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo officially opened the expanded Bothasig Community Day Clinic, during a visit on Wednesday 22 February.

The clinic was handed over by the City of Cape Town to the Western Cape Health Department in order to consolidate health services for better health outcomes.

“This is to ensure that the healthcare package offered is expanded to suit the needs of the communities we serve,” said Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape Health Minister.
                                                
Previously under the City of Cape Town, the clinic rendered nurse-based services, comprising of basic ante-natal care, mother and child health care, immunization, growth monitoring and advice, preventative services for children under five, curative services for children under 13, sexually transmitted infections, reproductive health, TB and HIV care and nutritional services.

Currently, since the Western Cape Government: Health (WCGH) took over the Bothasig clinic, it offers a more holistic package of primary health care service which includes chronic disease management like hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pharmacy, mental health, wound care, eye care and a full time medical officer.  Patients that require X- Rays and Oral Health services are referred to the Goodwood Community Day Clinic (CDC).

The Bothasig Clinic (under City Health management) previously served an average of 1700 patients per month
- an average of 380 children under 5 years of age and
- an average of 1330 adults (headcount 5 yrs and older)

In the first three months that the expanded facility was handed over to Western Cape Government Health (October – December 2016), the total patients head count increased.

- PHC Total Head Count: October (2 071), November (2 421), December (2001) Totaling to 6 493
- Total head count of 5 years and older - 5 476
- PHC Total headcount under 5 years - 1 017

Approximately 3000 adult clients residing in Bothasig had previously been accessing healthcare services at the Goodwood CDC due to the unavailability of the required health services in their immediate area. With the new CDC that has changed.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that our clients have access to quality primary health care services. That is why our focus for this year is patient centred-care, we are serious about putting our clients first;” concluded Dr Mbombo.