New clinic opens for residents
The new Palm Ridge Clinic has attended to over 6 000 patients in just a month after opening.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) has introduced two fully-fledged, level-2 clinics at Tswelopele in Vosloorus and the Palm Ridge Clinic in Palm Ridge, Tembisa.
In just a week after opening, the Tswelopele Clinic has seen over 670 patients.
The Palm Ridge Clinic has attended to over 6 000 patients in just a month after opening.
Mr Themba Gadebe, the spokesperson for the EMM, said this was in addressing the diverse range of community needs and acting towards alleviating the overcrowding in clinics.
“Healthcare centres are places that should give patients assurance that their ailments will be attended to and that they will return home satisfied with the service they received,” said Mr Gadebe.
Palm Ridge resident, Ms Phumla Chebane, said the new clinic does exactly that.
“The state of the old Palm Ridge Clinic didn’t inspire hope. I only went there because I had no other choice. However, when I visit the new clinic, I already feel better when I step inside,” said Ms Chebane.
“There is a larger waiting area with benches for us to sit on while we wait. I am comfortable with my child playing because it is cleaner,” she said.
The clinic head at the Tswelopele Clinic, Ms Nomtha Mengwayi , said she is excited about the new clinic.
“Patients will have more privacy as separate rooms will be used for different functions. Previously, one office was used as an emergency room and a doctor’s consultation room, which at times limited the number of services provided at the facility,” said Ms Mengwayi.
Mr Gadebe said improved primary health care services are a necessity that have the potential to prevent hospital admissions when community members receive adequate assistance.
The most common challenge experienced at both facilities was a lack of space, which also inhibited the healthcare providers’ ability to provide quality services.
The EMM is currently in the process of constructing eight more clinics to continue enhancing residents’ primary health care facilities.
The following clinics are currently under construction:
- Esangweni Clinic in Tembisa.
- Motsamai Clinic in Katlehong.
- Villa Lisa Clinic in Vosloorus.
- Dukathole Clinic in Germiston.
- Khumalo Clinic in Katlehong.
- Tsietsi Clinic in Katlehong.
- Crystal Park Clinic in Benoni.
- Selope Thema in Kwa-Thema.
