WESTERN CAPE NEWS - In a press release on 27 December, the Western Cape Health Department noted that public hospitals in the Western Cape are currently under severe pressure due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 admissions and the increase in non-Covid-19 trauma cases, such as alcohol-related injuries and road accidents.
Patients not requiring life-saving intervention will have a longer waiting time if visiting the hospital emergency centre and are thus advised to visit their local clinic.
Patients are encouraged to make an appointment before visiting the clinic, by calling their local clinic.
“We urge residents to only go to the hospital’s emergency centre for emergencies and life-threatening conditions. Help us to reduce the service pressure on our hospitals so that we can treat those who need life-saving interventions,” a health department spokesperson stressed.
“Remember, Coronavirus spreads where people gather, including at public health facilities. Only visit the clinic or hospital emergency centre when you really have to. Always wear a clean cloth mask over your mouth and nose, and keep a distance of 1.5 m from other people.”
LISTEN: Maret Lesch, Communications, Western Cape Government Health
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Karoo news'
