The first open day of the new Khayelitsha District Hospital was an opportunity for the Western Cape Government Health Department to introduce this brand-new state-of-the-art health facility to stakeholders other than patients.
Western Cape Health Minister Theuns Botha said that the commissioning of the hospital marks a milestone of improved service delivery for the people of the Western Cape. "Finally, after a lifetime of travelling to distant hospitals, the people of Khayelitsha now have access to a hospital in their immediate vicinity that will compare to the best in the world. That certainly is a step closer to the Western Cape of our dreams and our Premier's vision for this government to become the best regional government in the world."
"The hospital architecture is in line with international health design trends, and with wind power generators, landscaped gardens, fountains and relaxation areas, it is truly a place of healing and in line with our government's objective of creating wellness. It is a facility which demonstrates that when government provides quality care to people who depend on public health services we are better together," said Minister Botha.
Once fully commissioned, the hospital will deliver a quality health service to approximately 500 000 to 1 500 000 people in the Khayelitsha area.
Update on the Commissioning of the Hospital
Introduction of the Khayelitsha Hospital First Facility Board
In terms of the Western Cape Health Facility Boards Act, 2001, the minister must appoint a board of not less than eight but not more than 14 members. The board must include the head of the facility and at least one person representing the clinical staff and one person representing non-clinical staff. Members must represent the surrounding community and at least one person should have technical expertise (finance or law). The minister may appoint a member of the Provincial Parliament, one or more elected local councillors and a representative of the department.
The appointed board is as follows:
Board members representing the community in alphabetical order are:
At their first meeting, the board will elect a chairperson.
Hélène Rossouw
Media Liaison for Minister Botha
Tel: 021 483 4426
Cell: 082 771 8834
E-mail: helene.rossouw@westerncape.gov.za