The MEC of Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko officially opened the newly built Midwife Obstetrics Unit (MOU) at Phillip Moyo Community Healthcare Centre in Etwatwa on July 27.
The MOU contains a delivery section with four en suite labour rooms. This allows for privacy and for partners to be present during delivery.
The facility also has an admission room with two beds, a latent phase room with six beds and a postnatal room with 10 beds. It also has a mother and child section with two antenatal care beds and a sonar room.
According to Health and Wellness MEC Nkomo-Skhosana, the facility will ease the pressure on Far East Rand and Pholosong Hospitals.
“The MOU is equipped with cutting-edge medical equipment, which includes a defibrillator, haemoglobin meter, portable resuscitator, ultrasound machine, two manual resuscitators for adults and infants, and warmers among others.
“In addition, the MOU also has a counselling room, an exercise room, a sexual reproductive health room, a baby change room, vital signs room and a Department of Home Affairs office for immediate registration of newborn babies,” said the MEC.
During the launch of the facility which was attended by community members, the MEC said in March when she delivered her budget speech she would open a clinic that enhances healthcare services for the communities of Etwatwa and Daveyton.
“With these improved facilities, our healthcare professionals can deliver their service with the right equipment ensuring that each woman receives the care and attention they rightfully deserves.
“The facility is now a safer heaven for mother’s and we hope the community will cherish this milestone the same way we do because its a symbol of hope.
She pleaded with the community to not vandalise the hospital when they are protesting for better service delivery in the area.
“Come to my office and let us find a way. We are trying our best to ensure better healthcare for the community. Please do not ruin it because we do not have the finances to build another one,” she said.
According to one of the midwives at the MOU, Evidence Maifo, the newly built facility is already boosting staff morale and will help yield great outcomes.
“Through this new facility, we will be able to provide quality maternal health services to our community members,” said Maifo.
She further elaborated that the unit will operate 24 hours a day. Community members were elated that they now have a new and accessible Midwife Obsetrics Unit.
A resident, Sweetness Skhosana, said: “We are very happy that this unit is finally open. I hope the service from the healthcare workers will improve. We also hope that people in the community will be hired to work in this newly built facility.”
The manager of East Clinics in Ekurhuleni, Nonhlanhla Xaba, said the facility is the new private free hospital.
