The Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre turns 10.

The Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre (WCRC) is celebrating 10 years of service to the public. The WCRC has been a haven to those who have been involved in serious accidents or has survived a stroke.This is a rehabilitative opportunity for those who never thought they would be able to cope after losing a limb or becoming paralyzed. Rehabilitating patients to either learn to walk again or cope with not being able to walk again, has been the order of the day. Since the official opening in October 2001, the facility sees more than 5500 outpatients annually and more than 900 admitted yearly for rehabilitation.
WCRC is a 156-bed public-funded specialised rehabilitation facility, providing comprehensive in and out patients’ rehabilitation- and disability management programmes for persons with complex / long-term disabilities.  The WCRC boasts with 260 staff compliment and teams consist of medical doctors, nurses, physio-, occupational and speech therapists, clinical psychologists, dieticians, pharmacists, radiographers, therapy technicians (assistants) and support staff.

In his address the Western Cape Health Minister, Theuns Botha, said the Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre has an excellent track record for their innovations and quality of care to patients. “Patients are referred mainly by other tertiary and acute hospitals, and from primary public and private care. From the public and the private sector, as well as international role players, I have heard only praise for the work done at this facility.” He said the facility sees more than 5500 outpatients annually and more than 900 are admitted for rehabilitation. The Centre’s allocation from this year’s provincial health budget is R81 million.”

Since the opening of the WCRC,  the facility has also begun offering a free Health and Wellness service, which comprises of an  out and indoor heated swimming pool and adjoining gymnasium and this has been made available to all persons with disabilities from the surrounding communities to promote health and wellness post-discharge.  Here they can Learn to Swim / "pump iron" under the guidance of a swimming coach and a biokineticist.