Atlantis receives a new Emergency Centre and Paediatric Ward
Today, the Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, officially opened a new 24-hour Emergency Centre (EC) and Paediatric Ward to the value of R27 million at Wesfleur Hospital in Atlantis.
The new additions to the hospital will benefit approximately 78 861 people from Atlantis, Mamre, Pella, Witsand, Darling, Abbotsdale, Philadelphia, Saxon Sea, Melkbosstrand, Duynefontein and farming communities from ward 105 along the West Coast road, N7 and Frankdale.
“This new facility is evidence of the government’s ability to recognise and meet the needs of our people. The opening of this new Emergency Centre and Paediatric Ward will greatly improve essential healthcare services to the growing community of Atlantis and surrounding areas. The Western Cape Government continues to deliver on its promise to the people of this province by advancing access to services,” said Minister Mbombo.
Wesfleur which is classified as a small district hospital was expanded with the commissioning of a brand new Paediatric Ward, Emergency Centre and its overnight ward, from a 42-bedded facility to 50 beds in order to alleviate congestion and improve patient-flow. The new EC, which was operational from Monday 4 April 2016, sports a state-of-the-art asthma room, a modern overnight ward and resuscitation area.
A community member from Atlantis, and the first patient to be referred to the overnight ward in the Emergency Centre, Michael Meyer, is impressed with the service of the staff and the spacious area.
“The new Emergency Centre is bigger and accommodates my needs, and I received excellent service from the hospital staff. I am very interested to see the growth of the new developments,” said Mr Meyer.
The EC has total of 32 staff members providing medical care on a 24-hour shift working schedule in the new Emergency Centre. This staff complement includes doctors and locum staff.
The new Paediatric Ward, which previously operated in a cordoned-off area in the old EC, is fully equipped with nine (9) cots and new equipment to comfortably treat little ones from the community of Atlantis and surrounding areas who are referred from the Emergency Centre. Staff in the Unit successfully treated their first two patients on Tuesday 22 March 2016, Rogue Williams (5 months) and Hope Booysen (2), in the spacious and child-friendly ward.
The staff of Wesfleur Hospital is proud to be providing a service in the newly-built units, and encourages the community to assist them in making the environment a better place for all.
Media enquiries:
Luyanda Mfeka
Tel: 021 483 5862
Cell: 076 171 5978
Email: luyanda.mfeka@westerncape.gov.za
Monique Johnstone
Tel: 021 202 0929
Cell: 079 908 4856
Email: monique.johnstone@westerncape.gov.za
