ARV and TB infrastructure improvements for Cape Town

© Rido - Fotolia.com

"We have identified dedicated TB and ARV wings as a crucial element in our efforts to effectively treat these communicable diseases. It is important to provide environments where patients feel safe and where their privacy can be better protected. Dedicated spaces also allow us to protect the health and well-being of the general clinic population. These spaces reduce waiting times not only for our HIV and TB clients who are often required to visit the clinic on a regular basis, but also other clients," said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Councillor Siyabulela Mamkeli.

Projects planned

The projects include upgrades already under construction, construction earmarked to begin this year and upgrades still in the planning phase. Extensions for dedicated tuberculosis (TB) and antiretroviral (ARV) wings and bigger pharmacy units are already underway at Tafelsig Clinic in Mitchells Plain and the Mzamomhle Clinic in Brown's Farm, with just under R3.1 million budgeted for these two projects.

Extensions and the upgrading of the emergency room and pharmacy at Ravensmead Clinic are set to get underway later this year, with a budget of R1,5 million.

A number of other projects are currently in the planning phase, as outlined below:

City Health is also set to start planning for new facilities in Pelican Park and Fisantekraal, but this will be limited to feasibility and concept design during the current financial year, as well as doing the preparatory land use work for the Spencer Road Clinic in Salt River, the new Zakhele Clinic in Khayelitsha and the Masiphumelele Clinic.

Projects completed

In the 2014/15 financial year, general upgrades were completed at a number of clinics, including:

• Landscaping and civil works at Luvuyo and Seawinds Clinics
  
• Fencing and construction of a ramp at Site B Male Clinic
  
• Pharmacy upgrades/extensions at Delft South Clinic
  
• New Environmental Health offices in Khayelitsha
  
• Extensions, upgrades and repairs at St Vincent Clinic
  
• Upgrades and extensions to the records room at Lavender Hill Clinic

"Many of our clinics were built years ago, when population sizes were smaller and health needs were different. Today, many of our physical spaces are no longer adequate for the health needs of the growing populations in many communities and that is why these infrastructure upgrades are so important. They allow us to improve service delivery, but also raise the morale of staff and improve the relationship with our clients," concludes Mamkeli.