Problems at Brackenhurst Clinic addressed

BRACKENHURST Clinic came under the spotlight when it was brought to the RECORD’s attention that the phones have not been working for some time.

Councillor Malcolm Maifala also made it known that the clinic was understaffed and furthermore, the mobile clinic operating from this point, did not have a driver.

The RECORD received the following feedback from Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality:

The clinic is situated in ward 38, in Brackenhurst, Alberton in the Southern Service delivery area.

Services rendered at the facility focus on the following primary health care core-package:

• Treatment of minor ailments;
• Management of infectious diseases (TB, HIV);
• Management of Chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, mental health, hypertension, epilepsy);
• Maternal and Child Health Services: expanded programme on immunization (EPI); integrated management of childhood diseases (IMCI); reproductive health and family planning; antenatal care; postnatal care; referral for choice on termination of pregnancy (CTOP);
• Referral to a local hospital or secondary levels.
• HIV Counselling and Testing.

The clinic has a Telkom telephone at the reception and in the clinic’s head office. There are also Cisco phones in each office.

Presently the Cisco phone number 011 999 2425 is working, with minor interruptions due to connectivity issues.

The Telkom number 011 867 3610/11 has operated inconsistently, as fault`s on the line began in March 2016. A follow-up was done with Telkom on September 12 by the clinic head; both lines were checked by the operator and they seem to be working. The problem is with the receiver/set.

The Brackenhurst mobile clinic was purchased in 2014/2015 through the Capex Budget, in order to address community health needs.

Presently the staff needs are as follows: a professional nurse has been appointed and will resume working in October 2016; the enrolled nurse has been appointed and stationed at the clinic; the driver clerk is a non-funded post and a motivation has been forwarded for the post to be funded. A response to that motivation is awaited.

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