Crown Garden Clinic’s message to men and youth

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – Crown Gardens Clinic calls for young people and men to use their clinic as they do not often visit the clinic.

The clinic manager, Vicky Manzini, said men usually only visit the clinic when they are really sick and do not have a choice.

The clinic wishes to inform men and young people that the clinic belongs to them and it is not a place they should be afraid of.

“Nurses are friendly and patient professionals who treat everybody with the respect they deserve.

“The HIV infection rate among young people is threatening, that is why we want young people to know they are welcome to come and talk to us, not only about HIV but a lot of things, because we are loving and supportive. Helping young people with their problems is a passion for us.

“We rarely see young people and men at this clinic. We want them not to see the clinic as a place for women and sick people, but a clinic for all,” said Manzini.

The clinic also helps young people with schools projects and other situations where they can assist.

“We are accessible to them and we want them to also know their HIV status, and know that we have a support group for community members who are HIV positive, who would like to share their experiences with people in the same situation,” she added.

The clinic has a fully trained male nurse who is accessible to those men who might not be comfortable speaking to female nurses.