VANDERBIJLPARK – The dilapidating Johan Heyns Community Health Centre is set to get a facelift.
According to the Gauteng Health Department, the much-anticipated renovations that will be taking place at the facility will start today (March 3).
Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the revamp is a result of the project that is currently underway to convert Johan Heyns Community Health Centre (CHC) into a district hospital, to expand access to healthcare services for the growing community of Emfuleni Local Municipality.
“The facility serves an average of 8 000 patients per month including patients from nearby informal settlements located within the Free State province due to the convenient proximity.”
“Currently, Sedibeng district is home to approximately one million residents depending on Sebokeng regional and Kopanong district hospitals for health services. Due to rapid population growth, the two facilities are currently overwhelmed by the demand, resulting in a shortage of hospital beds which compromises the standard of care,” he said.
Modiba added that a district hospital will improve access to quality healthcare by expanding primary healthcare and specialist services to both in-and out-patients, reducing the volume of referrals to Sebokeng Regional Hospital.
During the period of renovations, the operating hours at Johan Heyns CHC will be 07:00– 16:00 from Mondays to Fridays. Provision has been made to ensure that the facility continues to render chronic related services (hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, etc) and an expanded programme on immunisation, maternal and child healthcare, antenatal care, mental health services, family planning, HIV testing and Pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV/AIDS (PrEP).
According to the department, services for TB patients will also be rendered within the pack home.
“Patients in need of other services such as choice of termination of pregnancy will be referred to Kopanong Hospital, while X-ray, casualty and maternity services will be available at Sharpeville Community Health Centre.”
“Oral health services can be accessed at Sharpeville and Boipatong CHCs, and rehabilitation services will be offered at various clinics.
To ensure uninterrupted administrative services, Sedibeng District Health offices are currently housed at Johan Heyns CHC and will also be relocated to other institutions across the district,” said Modiba.
The department encourages communities to exercise patience during the renovations and urges patients to visit other nearby facilities for services as and when it is possible to do so. The renovations will be carried out in phases over three financial years until 2028.
