Port Shepstone Regional Hospital informs the public that, following the official handover of the construction site for the new mental health unit to the appointed contractor on July 7, several hospital wards and services have been temporarily relocated and reconfigured.

Therefore, patients and visitors need to familiarise themselves with the new service locations.

The hospital reassures the public that strict infection prevention and control measures remain in place throughout the construction period.

Spokesperson for the hospital, Phumza Morai, said that all relocations have been carefully planned to ensure the continued delivery of safe and quality healthcare.

“The hospital will continue to provide all specialist services through the established referral system. Patients are encouraged to first visit their nearest primary healthcare clinic or community health centre for non-emergency care. Should there be a need, patients will be referred for specialised services to the regional level.”

Morai added that acute conditions and critical emergencies will continue to be accepted at the emergency department.

“Patient and visitor parking will remain available on the outer perimeter of the hospital, including the parking areas alongside the hospital, below the hospital and adjacent to the nearby church. The hospital appreciates the patience, understanding and continued support of patients, visitors, stakeholders and staff during this transition.”

She added that these temporary arrangements are essential to enable construction of the mental health unit, which will enhance access to quality specialist mental healthcare for the communities served by the hospital.

Changes are as follows:

* A-Ward, which was previously the Male Medical Ward has been closed to new admissions since July 20, and existing patients have been transferred to other medical wards.

* J-Ward, previously Acute Medical Ward (mixed), has been converted into a 27-bed Female Medical Ward.

* Ward 3, previously Female Medical Ward, has been converted into a 45-bed Male Medical Ward.

* Ward 2, previously Female Surgical Ward, has been expanded to 42 beds and accommodates five female Mental Health Care Users and Mental Health seclusion room.

* G-Ward Male Surgical Ward remains a male surgical ward but has increased its capacity from 28 to 31 beds

* The Flu Clinic will accommodate the Family Medicine Outpatient Department and Child Psychiatry.

* The former Gateway Clinic will accommodate the Adult Psychiatric Clinic, Orthopaedic Clinic, and Surgical Outpatient Department.

* Staff parking and temporary parking arrangements are being coordinated.

* Temporary park homes will be installed to accommodate other services affected by the construction project.

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