No clean bill of health for Amanzimtoti’s primary healthcare clinics
Besides all the obvious challenges that relate to staff and congest-ion, the Kingsburgh PHC clinic appears under threat of being devoured by termites.
PRIMARY healthcare (PHC) clinics in Toti have been deemed ‘filthy’ by community members who use these essential facilities.
A concerned member of the community contacted the Sun to report that after visiting both the Toti and Athlone Park clinics on Thursday, 31 January, nothing was accomplished and the way in which the clinics were run was appalling.
The ill, most of them being mothers and their young babies, sit waiting since about 6am, only for the staff of the clinic to come and go as they please, leaving patients unattended to. Both clinics were described as ‘filthy’ and the sisters’ treatment of their patients as rude and uncalled for. This is not the first time the community and even staff of local clinics have complained about the sad state of affairs at places that should offer help and provide answers to those in desperate need.
Ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge conduct oversight visits at the Athlone Park, Toti and Kingsburgh clinics.
“Athlone Park was found extremely congested, with patients lining the veranda before being herded into a common reception room, congested with files and equipment and with no privacy,” he began.
“While facilities were found generally clean, staff appeared under pressure and impatient, their mood and posture possibly enhanced by the congested work environment. The premises (or its setup) is not conducive for the situation and would require urgent attention by management. The nursing services manager was not on site but attending a meeting.”
Cllr Beetge explained the Toti PHC facility was clean, its ablutions in working condition and courtyard and reception in an acceptable condition.
Read about it here: R1-5m revamped clinic to open next week
“Queues were long with some waiting in line since before 6am. Only two of four sisters were available, with one on vacation and one on sick leave for the past week. While management was aware of the staff shortage, nothing had been done to improvise. The nursing services manager was not on site but attending a meeting.”
The councillor explained that besides all the obvious challenges that relate to staff and congest-ion, the Kingsburgh PHC clinic appeared under threat of being devoured by termites.
“The building received a facelift some three years ago when renovations, extensions and a lick of paint were added. Despite the situation being brought to management’s attention, it appears the status quo remains of one department blaming the other for non-performance,” he said.
The Sun’s query to eThekwini Municipality went unanswered by the time of going to print.
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