Health:
- Whether the community healthcare facilities in the province have waiting facilities and/or other measures to assist patients who are queuing outside for long; if not, (a) why not and (b) what are the plans to protect patients from the cold and rain during the winter; if so, what are the relevant details;
- what is the average waiting time to receive medical care at community healthcare facilities in the province, (b) how has COVID-19 affected the waiting times and (c) what measures have been put in place to minimise the spread of COVID-19 at our healthcare facilities where patients stand in long queues for hours in order to get medical care?
1. Many of the health facilities are old and were developed based on the intended services it would render, population data and projections available at the time. Based on these factors a particular facility was built and many could not accommodate external waiting areas. The Department recognises the need for infrastructure improvement and through its User Asset Management Plan (U-AMP), which is the primary strategic infrastructure planning document utilised by the Western Cape Government Health (WCGH), it endeavours to provide healthcare facilities that are accessible, and conducive to the delivery of a comprehensive package of health services to the people of the province. This includes, where feasible, to add existing structures to provide shelter to those queuing outside. As part of ensuring there is no overcrowding, facilities have also adopted appointment systems to ensure people do not queue from early hours, home or offsite delivery of medication and outreaches to minimise the number of people at a particular facility.
2. As a result of Covid safety measures, the maximum number of patients allowed in a facility must be controlled. Thus, depending on the number of people at the time could result in patients waiting outside. We understand that this situation is uncomfortable, but it is required for patient safety and good ventilation. In some cases, where possible, temporary shelter is provided.
(3) (a) The average waiting time is dependent on the nature of the medical treatment required. All patients presenting to a health facility are assessed and triaged. Those with life-threatening conditions are prioritised and attended to immediately and those with minor conditions could wait a bit longer.
(b) COVID-19 has allowed us to be innovative and although we had to de-escalate certain non-essential services, appointments were given to clients which ensured only those clients who needed to come to a health facility we in attendance. This had no delay on there waiting time and also depended on the health service they required.
(c) To reduce the spread of COVID-19 at facilities several initiatives were implemented. These range from de-escalating non-essential services, scheduling of appointments, home delivery of chronic medication and Community Health Workers going to people’s homes to provide home based care.
