Florida Clinic will officially open its 24-hour Accident and Emergency Department on Monday, December 1.

The new department will provide immediate relief for the communities of Florida, Fleurhof and parts of Maraisburg, who will no longer have to travel long distances for urgent treatment of pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents, physical or sexual assaults, poisoning, injuries, or any other acute or chronic conditions requiring prompt attention.

According to a statement shared by the Johannesburg Health District communications manager, Sandile Gwayi, the clinic will operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day, and is a direct response to the area’s growing population and the strain on neighbouring health facilities.

Gwayi explained that the Discovery Community Health Centre (CHC), for example, currently handles more than 160 cases per month, many of which are referrals from Florida Clinic – including incomplete abortions, severe abnormal uterine bleeding, burns, gunshot wounds, stabbings, dog bites, and epileptic or febrile seizures.

Previously, emergency cases were redirected to Discovery CHC, Helen Joseph Hospital, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, adding to the already high patient load in those accident and emergency departments.

“The launch of the 24-hour unit at Florida Clinic marks a significant step toward more accessible, timely healthcare for residents,” reads the statement.