Long-term misery endured by pregnant women in Nomzamo and Lwandle will soon be a thing of the past.
For many years women and other sick people from the two areas had to endure additional misery while travelling to Hottentots Hospital (HH) in Somerset West during their pregnancy or for treatment. However, plans to build a new district hospital in the combined area are expected to ease residents’ suffering. The new facility is expected also to respond to the needs, including accommodation, of both communities.
According to the Western Cape Department of Health, a business plan had been approved for a 370 bed regional hospital.
However, its bearing fruit could take a bit longer.
Mark van der Heever, Deputy Director of Communications in the department, said the facility would replace the Helderberg District Hospital. For the final plan to go ahead a number of approval processes, including the funding application from the national government, have to be completed.
He said such processes take time, and construction would not take place until at least 2030. However, he stated a site for this hospital has been reserved by Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure.
The site, which is along the N2, has already been fenced and a shipping container has been supplied for the security guards.
Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso described the construction of the hospital as long overdue. He said it will not only create jobs but change and save the lives of many people.
“We don’t have a hospital here in Strand. We depend on the Hottentots Hospital (HH) in Helderberg,” explained Diniso. “People have lost their loved ones on the way to hospital because it is too far. And pregnant women, when they have to go for maternity, go to Macassar.
He said they expect underground work to commence next year. The whole programme will be carried out in phases until completion. “The hospital is expected to have 370 beds, 450 parking based, a helicopter for emergency, 44 additional beds emergency centre, 23 consultant rooms. There will be maternity rooms.”
Diniso stated the hospital would also accommodate people from Caledon and Macassar. He said he believes local practitioners who are working in other areas will be reprioritised when the government staffs the new hospital.