The services offered by City Health which are most accessed by women are family planning, with cervical smears and Basic Antenatal Care (BANC) a distant second and third.

In the 2023/24 financial year:

‘Without knowing the reasons behind the decline, it is difficult to gauge just how concerned we need to be. I am however enthused by the number of women having cervical smears, but there is room for improvement. Some health services and concerns are far more visible and talked about than others, but City Health has a wide range of services specifically for women and I want to encourage them to exploit everything that is available to them. Women often put themselves and their needs last, behind those of their families. I want to remind them that taking care of their health is the best thing they can do for themselves, and their loved ones,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.

The City’s Matrix® Programme provides free alcohol and drug treatment services, but also hosts specific group sessions for women and includes topics such as trauma, parenting, self-image and sexuality. 

The Matrix® sites also offer the Women’s Health Coop programme that addresses issues such as gender based violence, substance use and HIV information.  

‘There is also more to a family planning visit as it can include being screened for breast cancer. Pregnant women can book visits for Basic Antenatal Care (BANC) as soon as they know they are expecting. BANC is an integral part of primary health care and includes identifying potential risk factors and complications, the appropriate management of these, as well as general health and wellness education,’ said Councillor Van der Ross. 

Another service offered is the City Health Department’s appointment system which was launched in 2018.

Clients 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 to arrive at the facility at the appointed time and the system includes all non-acute services.