GEORGE NEWS - Pacaltsdorp Clinic is to be upgraded after years of residents having to endure increasingly unhealthy, congested conditions and long waiting times.

The upgrade will form part of a R21,61m project that also includes refurbishing the Parkdene Clinic. The project is funded and managed by the National Department of Health (NDoH) to relieve the pressure of a growing population on the two clinics.

NDoH has appointed the Independent Development Trust (IDT) as the implementing agent on both projects, according to Eden district spokesperson for Western Cape Health and Wellness, Nadia Ferreira.

She said the IDT held community engagement sessions on 22 March to inform the clinic committees on the process to be followed for the projects. 

"Local stakeholder and social facilitation engagements were also held in April where the communities were informed and updated on the project and progress."

According to Charly Daman, a prominent figure in the Pacaltsdorp community, the conditions at the clinic have become unbearable. Temporary corrugated iron structures are used for certain services. Promises of upgrading by NDoH date back many years.

Ferreira said Western Cape Health was informed that the estimated completion date of the project is July 2024.

"The project is currently at stage 4 which involves the pricing for each component of the scope of work, with the procurement of the contractor 98% completed. Site handover to the contractor who will do the work is anticipated for the end of this month (May)."

She said Western Cape Health has in the meantime erected a shelter for patients at Pacaltsdorp Clinic and it is in the process of implementing an appointment system to try and limit the number of people at the clinic. 

"This will help decongest the facility to promote general infection control and reduce waiting times. A meeting was also held in April between the clinic committee executive and the department's district office to discuss the progress of the project and clarify areas of concern raised by the clinic."

Some services are rendered from these corrugated iron structures.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has erected the waiting area on the right to provide shelter during long waiting times.

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