City encourages continued access to essential health services

28 January 2021

While visits to the City of Cape Town’s clinics for some essential health services have remained stable the past few months, there have been dramatic increases in the number of patients diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and the number of women who tested for cervical smears. The continuation of these services are largely due to the number of overflow facilities opened in July 2020 by the City’s Health Department to increase capacity at clinics and to ensure a continuous basket of services even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘We currently have 34 overflow facilities at our clinics and it is heartening to see residents continue to access our normal services and adhering to their health schedules, such as immunisation and antenatal and family planning services. While the current COVID-19 situation has impacted every aspect of our lives, and requires us to adhere to additional health protocols, there is still screening for HIV and TB as well as medical checks for chronic conditions that need to be done and medication that needs to be collected,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

The number of children under one year who were fully immunised remained stable at an average of 3 100 children per month, while the number of first antenatal visits remained stable at an average of 2 100 per month.

The clinics, which have overflow facilities have been retrofitted as part of City Health’s COVID-19 preparedness plan and it has made it possible to open additional examination and treatment rooms, and the necessary resources, which are required to deliver the health service.
                                                                                                                     
‘These facilities became necessary to enable adherence to COVID-19 protocols, while we continue general service delivery. Some of these services are critical such as child immunisations and visits by clients with chronic conditions. Other services also continue and residents are encouraged to visit the clinics when they need to. The City Health Department’s appointment system which was launched in 2018 has also strengthened our health service. Patients are given a date and a time for their appointment based on the preference of the patient, as well as appointment availability and urgency of care. They are required only to arrive at the facility at the appointed time and the system includes all non-acute services,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

When visiting a clinic, please be reminded of the following:

• make an appointment for preventative health services
• keep the appointment and arrive 15 minutes earlier
• expect to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms on arrival
• ensure that only the person(s) in need of the service attends
• wear a mask and ensure that it covers your nose and mouth at all times
• adhere to social distancing
• stay at home if you are not well on the day of their appointment and inform the clinic that you are unable to attend

‘The additional space has meant we can accommodate the additional requirements of COVID-19 without having to sacrifice any of our health services. Once they are no longer needed, the community centres will be returned to the responsible line department and the pre-fabricated structures will remain to assist with enhancing service delivery at the facilities where this option will be implemented,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office