Western Cape Government Health has officially integrated healthcare services of seven City of Cape Town healthcare clinics in Cape Town’s Northern and Tygerberg sub-districts since Friday 1 July.
The joint decision to integrate and take over the services from the Bellville South, Goodwood, Parow, Ravensmead, Durbanville, Scottsdene and Fisantekraal City clinics was made by the Western Cape Government Health and the City of Cape Town.
“By integrating services at these clinics, we will be able to provide a more holistic and integrated healthcare package in line with the provincial department’s Healthcare 2030 plan to streamline the patient journey, create a person-centred approach, and improve the quality of healthcare.”
Hence, at Goodwood clinic, the 30th of June meant goodbye for some staff members, it was a sad day as expressed by Sr Helen Lewies, operational manager at Goodwood Clinic, because even though the staff worked under different departments, they were still a team.
Lizette Witbooi, one of the City of Cape Town employees, said she has been working for the City for 30 years as a senior worker.
“I am only there to do my work and help the community to show them the right direction. Having to change clinics caused a lot of challenges and emotional stress.”
With the goodbyes, there also came new hellos. One of the substantial changes made by this integration was the appointment of a new Primary Health Care Clinic Manager, Mr Kiewietz, who said he is excited about the challenge to serve Leonsdale Community every week Wednesdays to Fridays.
“I worked at Goodwood Clinic for two months and enjoyed serving the Goodwood Community with Quality Comprehensive Primary Health Care Services.”
Tamera Jones, a new professional nurse at Goodwood Clinic said “I feel good about this new journey and I hope to develop more in this new environment”.
“Goodwood clinic provides good quality service, they’re friendly, caring and makes you feel like family.”
Suzetta Smith, a professional nurse at Goodwood, said she worked at Red Cross Children’s Hospital for 14 years and resigned. Regarding her transition to clinic work, she said.
“I feel I can make a difference in the clinic as well as my community, I feel positive and excited to be part of the team at Goodwood Clinic. Goodwood Clinic already made us feel welcome.
“City Health and the Provincial Government have offered health services to residents of Cape Town for many years. Some primary health care facilities are operated solely by the City and some are operated solely by the Provincial Government, while nine of these facilities are operated by staff from both authorities under the same roof,” says Dr Giovanni Perez, Chief Director for Western Cape Government Metro Health Services.
However, communities affected by the handover of services can be reassured that services will continue to be available in the same buildings, now only under the management of Western Cape Government Health.
City patient folders will be handed over to the Provincial Government healthcare facilities and support will be provided by City Health staff for the smooth handover of TB and HIV clients and their healthcare management, including clients receiving care for child and women’s health services.
