New Mediclinic back on track

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Mediclinic Southern Africa earlier this week confirmed that the development of its new hospital in George has resumed after a temporary postponement due to the company's focus on the Covid-19 pandemic.

The estimated completion date for the hospital is December 2023. It will be located on the Mount View property in York Street.

CEO Koert Pretorius said the project was approved by Mediclinic International's board of directors and investment committee.

"We have encountered several obstacles over the last five years. This includes the identification of suitable land, and then the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. We will strive to establish timelines as soon as possible and be on site to begin construction."

An initial application five years ago to develop the hospital on the sawmill site in the Kraaibosch area near the Garden Route Mall was rejected by George Municipality. In an effort to keep up with a growing demand for medical care in the existing building, a fifth floor was added in 2019 to accommodate an additional intensive care unit.

Pretorius said with the new development, the company is looking forward to a new era for the health services in George and the Southern Cape.

The cost of the new hospital is about R1-billion and includes a heart unit.

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