GEORGE NEWS - The new Thembalethu Community Day Centre currently being built on the Nelson Mandela Boulevard is well on its way to completion.
Although the centre is expected to be complete in November 2017, Nadia Ferreira, communications officer for the Western Cape Department of Health, said the R62-million facility should be operational by February 2018 after all the equipment has been moved in.
Commenting on the centre's appearance, Ferreira said the architectural design incorporates a lot of natural light and air. The sheer volume and height of the main waiting area gives one a pleasant and surprising welcome when entering the facility.
"Patients will be able to wait in a covered pre-waiting area before the clinic opens. The facility has 18 consultation rooms and a waiting room for each area," said Ferreira.
Dr Hannelie Louw, medical manager for George sub-district, dispelled rumours that new staff will be appointed to work in the centre and that the centre will be open
24 hours a day. "People are under the wrong impression that we will appoint additional staff. Our staff component stays the same. We will also not run a 24-hour service. Primary health care services will be rendered from 07:30 to 16:00," she said.
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