Healthcare facilities across the Western Cape province have started implementing systems to cut down on waiting times for patients during the winter, while requesting that patients arrive 30 minutes before their appointments.
Among the healthcare facilities that have encouraged patients to not queue from 5am are Dr Abdurahman CDC, Hanover Park CHC, Heideveld CDC, and Mitchells Plain CHC, as reported by People’s Post via News24.
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These facilities are also discouraging patients from standing in the cold while ‘risking their safety and health’.
Residents are encouraged to ‘make use of the appointment system’, as well as reach out to local facility managers if they have any concerns, according to Monique Johnstone, communication officer for the Western Cape Government health and wellness.
‘As we navigate the challenges of winter, it’s important that we prioritise the safety and well-being of all people visiting our health facilities, especially our elderly and other vulnerable groups. We ask that you only arrive 30 minutes before your appointment to reduce your waiting time,’ said Johnstone.
‘We also encourage residents to visit the facility when it is open to ensure their safety. If you are unhappy with your experience at our local clinics, please do let us know by using the correct channels, such as your facility manager, the facility suggestion box, your health committee or reaching out to the provincial client support centre to share your concerns,’ Johnstone added.
Tips include:
- Avoid queues and reduce early queueing in cold and wet conditions by utilising the appointment system. By scheduling a visit, individuals can ensure a smoother experience upon arrival.
- If individuals are unable to attend their appointment and need to reschedule, they can reach out to their clinic to set a new date.
- Queueing in the dark poses a potential security and safety risk and visitors are encouraged to arrive at the facility ‘at least 30 minutes before their appointment’.
- Providing feedback to facility managers can also help when communicated through these following channels:
- SMS: Sending the word ‘Help’ followed by the name of the individual, the nature of their suggestion or complaint, facility, and if necessary, the name of a staff member to 31022.
- Call: Dialling 0860 142 142 and pressing ‘1’ will put an individual into contact with a representative. An alternative number that can be dialled is 079 769 1207.
- Email: Concerns can be sent via email to [email protected].
Your can locate your nearest clinic by visiting the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/directories/facilities/944
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