Western Cape Minister of Health Theuns Botha officially inaugurated these improvements on Monday with a ceremony in the Uniondale Community Hall, which was attended by, among others, MP Marius Swart, Eden councillors and residents of Uniondale.
The revamp included the installation of extractor fans and air-conditioners, an enlarged reception area, new floor coverings, a new fence, an extra consultation room and a new dispensary.
The extra room, which now serves as a dispensary and extra consultation room, previously formed part of the adjoining Youth Centre occupied by local government. "This additional space will not only improve the general patient experience, which forms part of the department's vision of delivering a patient friendly service, but also the working environment of the staff," said Botha. The clinic now also boasts a separate pharmacy.
About 1 600 patients are treated here per month. Doctors from George Hospital visit Uniondale patients on an appointment basis.
Chronic medication is delivered once a month to 360 people at an off-site venue and the two mobile clinics service 130 people in the farming areas as well as 310 patients who receive chronic medication on a monthly basis.
Botha said the Western Cape Government's focus on the construction of new health facilities across the province since 2009 has led to 12 capital projects being completed in the Eden district at a total expenditure exceeding R218-million. The three new facilities are Kwanokuthula Community Health Centre and an ambulance station at R39,8-million, Knysna Witlokasie Community Day Centre at R35,6-million and the George Hospital Forensic Pathology Laboratory at R15,5-million. The George Hospital had an R85-million upgrade and R1,5-million was spent to upgrade the Harry Comay TB Hospital in George.
Other renovations include:
• A temporary Mossel Bay Forensic Pathology Lab: R807 000;
• A temporary Knysna Forensic Pathology Lab: R420 000;
• Riversdale Hospital: R12-million;
• Melkhoutfontein Clinic: R3,5-million.
At the inauguration of the Uniondale Clinic's renovations, from left: Dr Helise Schumann (director: Eden and Central Karoo districts), Anneke du Preez (assistant manager: medical dervices, Uniondale), Henry McCombi (chairperson of Eden District Health Council), Theuns Botha (Western Cape minister of health), Marius Swart (member of Parliament), Marchell Kleynhans (portfolio councillor: George Municipality), Charles Standers (George mayor), Godfrey Louw (Eden district municipal manager), Daniël Maritz.
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