The public are invited to provide suggestions on a proposal to build a new Community Day Centre in Hout Bay, says the Western Cape Health Department.

This week, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, confirmed that services currently provided at the existing day hospital in Hout Bay will be relocated to the new Hout Bay Community Day Centre.

Previously, Sentinel reported on the ongoing issue surrounding a proposed community day centre on the Hout Bay Common was causing tension in the community (‘Clinic’s heated debate’, 2018).

The need for operational clinics in Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu sparked a debate on the Hout Bay Community Group’s Facebook page this week.

On Facebook, one resident said: “I think they had plans to move the clinic long before the riot happened, and that was just enough for them to leave Hangberg. I would be happy to see the clinic back in Hangberg, its really a struggle for a lot of people. And also, the clinic needs an upgrade.”

Another said: “I would like to know why the newly built building in Hangberg has been vacant and not used.”

A third commentor said: “We need a hospital at the harbour. That huge building is going to waste. Please let’s get the petitions going ASAP before they forge ahead with this.”

Ms Wenger told Sentinel News that she wants to reassure all Hout Bay residents that they are fully committed to providing continuous, high-quality healthcare services for the entire community.

“Due to safety concerns for both staff and patients, the Hangberg Community Day Centre (CDC) was closed in 2019. To ensure uninterrupted care, services were relocated to the Hout Bay CDC on Victoria Avenue, in 2019, and which remains open.

“To provide the appropriate basket of services for all communities in Hout Bay with the resources that are available, we are planning to consolidate and augment services at one centrally located CDC.

“The proposed CDC is envisioned to provide primary care services including: youth and adolescent-friendly care; women’s health, including family planning and reproductive health; emergency care for non-acute cases (eight hours a day); dental and oral health services; minor surgical procedures and more.

“By consolidating services in a purpose-built, modern facility we can maximise resources and offer comprehensive, high-quality care to meet the growing demand,” she said.

The proposed area for the CDC is the Old Bowling Greens site.

There is currently no set date for when construction will commence.

On the matter of the proposed CDC, Ward Councillor Roberto Quintas said: “It was the focus of the Western Cape Government for many years now to construct a brand new Community Day Centre in a centrally located location, that is easily accessible for all communities and which is on a public transport route.

“The WCGDH identified the old bowling green site adjacent the Hout Bay Common due to its ample parking for staff and drop and go, proximity to retail amenities and associated transport accessibility.”

He added that he is excited about the establishment of this CDC in terms of what it will offer all of Hout Bay ‘s communities who do not have medical aid or the funds to access private health care.

Residents and community members can share their suggestions or questions by emailing HoutBayCDC-FAQ@westerncape.gov.za.