Local hospital completes R25m project

LIFE Westville Hospital recently opened the first of its two new state-of-the art 18-bed wards, which were recently completed and licensed by the Department of Health.

According to Leanne Nyiri, regional marketing manager at Life Healthcare, the new wards are G Ward (second floor), which will accommodate gynaecology and oncology patients, and K Ward (third floor), which has been designated for female medical patients. The cost was R25-million for both the wards.

She added that the hospital’s bed capacity has now increased to 290, and it was pleasing to see Life Westville Hospital expanding and that the upgrades to reception, pharmacy and coffee shop are now complete.

“We received some of the new furniture for the main reception, and further interior design elements will be added to the area soon, including new directory boards, pot-plants, soft furnishings and television screens, which will enhance the reception experience for patients, visitors and, especially, our valued residents,” said Nyiri.

Norvo Construction headed the renovations to the hospital, which now boasts new wards that have single and two-bedded en-suite rooms. The new wards have also generated employment for 28 additional staff.

The hospital is also in the process of renovating its current wards. The old beds are being replaced with new electronic beds. Some of the old beds have already been donated to a few charities, and the rest have been stored in the basement storage area temporarily.

Life Healthcare is also planning its next project, which is the construction of a seven-bedded surgical High Care ward.

Life Westville Hospital manager, Abdool Amod, said: “After a hive of activity over the past few months, I am delighted to report that the planned upgrades and renovations to the hospital, including the coffee shop, pharmacy and main reception, have been successfully completed. The hospital’s bed capacity has now increased to 290 and it is pleasing to see that Life Westville Hospital is expanding to meet the needs of the community we serve.”

Staff and guests were invited to the opening of the two new wards on Wednesday, 17 June and were treated to delicious snacks and refreshments after a tour through the wards.