Health

2. Two complaints were submitted regarding the toilets at Genadendal Clinic and Caledon Hospital. At Genadendal Clinic contractors were busy working and requisition was sent for repairing of the toilets. Due to construction work/renovations the clinic was in the process of decanting.The construction work/renovation at Genadendal Clinic is underway and will be operational in July 2021. At Caledon Hospital upgrades are underway.

2. Yes, there are challenges, especially in Grabouw.

• The COVID-19 pandemic nesacitated some changes in die distribution and collection of medication.
• CBS started with home deliveries but the risks associated with it,wer much higher than the benefits and again changes had to be made.
• During the height of the COVID-19 waves the alternatives sites(church hall etc) were not available or the organisations started to bill the facilities.
• Facilities are now in process to  re-look at the whole system of Chronic Disease distribution and collection of medication. 
• New plans are under discussion as the Western Cape Government also set aside funding for the programme for the next 3 years.
• The situation at the moment is frustrating for the patients and staff as new ways and systems need to be negotiated for implementation.
• This new plan involve a mixed model with home deliveries, alternative distribution sites and workplace deliveries and management.

3.  No shortage of any category of staff at Riviersonderend Clinic. The staff cadre was strengthen by a sessional Clinical Nurse Practitioner to cover the morning shifts and in doing so ensure a good flow within the facility and shorten the waiting times of the acute patients.

4.  The amended visitation guidelines include:

• Visitors and escorts are only allowed at health facilities under special circumstances and must be screened at the entrance of the facility.
• Outpatients:
  • One escort is only allowed for paediatric, disabled, vulnerable, or weak patients.

• Emergency Unit:
  • Paediatric patients – one escort allowed to accompany patient into emergency room.
  • Terminal patients – family members allowed to be present, but only one or two family members allowed to be present at a time.
  • Disabled/vulnerable patients – one escort may be allowed depending on situation. Will be assessed on a case-to-case basis.
  • All other patients: One escort who will remain in waiting room if there is sufficient space.

• Inpatients (adults):
  • Limited to 30 minutes visitation per visitor.
  • Visiting time period of 60 minutes per day. Confirm with hospital what the ward’s visiting hours are before visiting.
  • Terminally ill patients allowed to be visited by loved ones. Restricted to 30 min per person per day – more people and longer time at discretion of ward manager.
  • Critically ill patients allowed one designated visitor once per day.

• Inpatients (paediatric):
  • One parent/caregiver can be with the patient.
  • Parent/caregiver can alternate with other parent/caregiver, but only one allowed with patient at a time.
  • More family members allowed for terminal patients for 30 minutes, one person at a time. More people and longer time slots at discretion of ward manager.

• Neonatal patients:
  • Mother can remain with patient or regularly visit.
  • Birthing partner or one designated person can visit daily for 30 minutes. Longer visitation at discretion of ward manager.

• Maternity & labour:
  • COVID-19 positive patients in labour – no birthing partners allowed.
  • COVID-19 negative patients in labour – one birthing partner during active labour if sufficient space and privacy available.
  • C-section: Birthing partners not allowed in theatre but can visit mother and baby for 30 minutes in postnatal ward.
  • Post-natal ward: Birthing partner allowed to visit mother and new-born for 30 minutes per day during visiting period.

• COVID-19 and PUI patients:
  • No visitors allowed.
  • Can drop off parcels (toiletries, food, books, etc.)
  • Exceptions will be made for terminally ill patients.

• All other non-terminally ill adult patients not allowed visitors. Parcels (toiletries, food, books) can be dropped off at facility. Family will be updated on patient’s condition – please ensure they have the correct contact number on file.

5. No – all facilities to implement the Provincial policy.

6. Theewaterskloof have 2 Dentists,2 Dental Assistants and 1 Oral Hygienist to deliver the services in the municipal area.

Dental Services are also delivered on the Wellness bus.

Challenges experience in Caledon as the facility in Vleiview was vandalized on numerous occation and the expensive equipment stolen. The very tough decision was made to shift the service to the hospital to combat the vandalism and theft.