Ordinary community members do extraordinary things: Witkoppen clinic has served the community for over 70 years

FOURWAYS GARDENS – The Witkoppen Health and Wellness Centre has been caring for the greater Fourways community holistically for over 70 years.

July 8, 2019

Robyn Kirk 2 minutes read

Tshepang Madiba and Sophi Muroa are two of the 230 staff members who care for patients at Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre.

The Witkoppen Health and Welfare Centre provides holistic care to members of the community who might otherwise be unable to access the services they need.

The center is located on the corner of William Nicol Drive and Uranium Road and has been providing care to the community for over 70 years. Witkoppen offers a number of health services to the public and also focuses on wellness issues outside of the traditional healthcare system. An estimated 10 000 people come through the organisation’s doors every month for services such as emergency medical care, health screenings, social work, support groups and mental health treatment from psychologists.

“The centre was originally meant to provide care for farm workers in the area [when it was opened in the 1940s], but even today the closest hospital is about 35km away,” explained Dr Jean Bassett, the executive director of the non-profit organisation who has worked there in some capacity for about 20 years. “We work with the surrounding communities, including Diepsloot, Kya Sands informal settlement and Lion Park [informal settlement], although these are soft boundaries as we’re hoping to also expand into areas like Rabie Ridge [in Midrand]. The vision for Witkoppen is to be recognised as a center of excellence for both primary health and for overall wellness. Patients really need to be treated holistically.”

Lebo Aphane hands a patient her file. The centre has a number of programmes aimed at women, including the ante- and postnatal clinics and family planning and well-woman clinic. *Photos: Paul Reichle*

About 230 people are currently employed by the center, including 45 recent hires. Although staff man the numerous divisions at the clinic itself (such as in the antenatal clinic, dentist’s office and dietitian), a further 100 employees also head into neighbouring communities to provide healthcare such as HIV testing and counselling, as well as to provide support and care for orphans and other vulnerable children who are in need or at risk.

“I have to say a big thank you to our very committed staff,” Bassett added. “Sometimes Witkoppen can be a difficult place to work, some days it can be quiet and others you’ll be completely rushed off your feet. But the staff give their all, even sometimes staying until 8pm [four hours after the centre is supposed to close] to make sure all patients are seen.”

The Witkoppen team works hard to make their services as easy to access as possible. A patient’s first visit to the centre is completely free, and each appointment after that only costs R70 with some leeway given for patients who truly cannot afford that fee.

Sophie Muroa dispenses medication to a patient: The centre launched a pharmacy wing on their premises at the end of March to improve service delivery to patients. *Photo: Paul Reichle*

Efforts have also been made to also encourage members of society who are less likely to seek treatment to come in from care: In November 2017, the Mvuselelo Male-Friendly Clinic, the first male-friendly clinic in Region A, was launched. This clinic provides a safe place with only male staff members working for men to come in for care, particularly regarding HIV or other uncomfortable topics.

A group of young people has also been employed in the role of the Witkoppen Youth Advisory Board, which aims to engage with the youth on important matters. “So much can be done to prevent health problems if one accesses care early. We also put a big focus on education and providing support for people who need it – as it’s important to know you’re not alone.”