Western Cape opens new R48.7 million Hornlee Clinic to meet growing healthcare needs

Residents of Hornlee, Knysna and surrounding communities will soon begin accessing services at the new Hornlee Clinic, as the Western Cape Government today officially opened the R48.7 million replacement facility.

The new clinic has been developed in response to the growing healthcare needs of the community and replaces the previous facility, which was no longer able to adequately serve the approximately 30 000 patient visits it saw each year. The investment reflects the Western Cape Government's commitment to ensuring that every resident, regardless of where they live, can access quality healthcare services in an environment that promotes dignity, privacy and respect.

Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger joined community members, healthcare workers and local stakeholders to mark the opening of the facility.

Premier Winde said investing in healthcare infrastructure remains a key priority for the Western Cape Government.

"Growing communities need growing services. The new Hornlee Clinic is an investment in the health and wellbeing of local residents and forms part of our commitment to ensuring that people can access quality public services close to where they live. Infrastructure investments such as this not only improve service delivery but also help create stronger and more resilient communities."

The new clinic has been constructed on the site of the former Knysna Municipality taxi rank and provides significantly more space and improved functionality than the previous facility.

The clinic includes chronic and acute care services, consultation and counselling rooms, a dispensary, improved patient waiting areas, administrative facilities and supporting infrastructure designed to improve both patient experience and service delivery. The additional space will help reduce overcrowding, improve privacy during consultations and create a more welcoming environment for patients and their families.

Minister Wenger said the facility represents an important investment in both patients and healthcare workers.

"The previous clinic served this community well for many years, but we are very excited that this new facility provides a modern, welcoming environment that will allow our healthcare teams to continue delivering quality care while improving access to services for residents."

“The new facility is designed not only to meet growing demand but also to ensure that residents can receive care in a setting that reflects the value and dignity of every person who walks through its doors. It will also provide healthcare workers with a more suitable environment from which to serve the community” she said.

While the facility is now officially open, services will be phased into the new clinic over the course of June to ensure a smooth transition from the existing facility. The clinic is expected to be fully operational by 1 July 2026.

"This phased approach will allow us to carefully relocate services while maintaining continuity of care for patients. We thank the community for their patience and support during this transition period," said Minister Wenger.

Heliza le Roux, Director: Garden Route and Central Karoo for the Department of Health and Wellness, said, "The opening of the Hornlee Clinic is a significant milestone for Knysna . This facility will become a cornerstone for primary healthcare services for the community. We are grateful to all partners and stakeholders who contributed to making this vision a reality."

The opening of the clinic forms part of the Western Cape Government's ongoing investment in healthcare infrastructure across the province to ensure residents can access the right care, at the right time, in the right place, while advancing greater equity in access to healthcare services and creating facilities that uphold the dignity of every patient.