A BRAND new, state of the art clinic recently opened its doors to serve Hluhluwe communities.
While the clinic is yet to be opened officially, staff members and stakeholders held a series of information sessions to inform communities of the services now available to them.
Hluhluwe Clinic is under the leadership of Sister Sibongile Zulu, who specialised in midwifery and was previously appointed at Mduku and Mseleni clinics.
‘This clinic is exquisite, we are so grateful to have these facilities in Hluhluwe,’ said Zulu.
The first of its kind in Hluhluwe, community members previously had to travel as far afield as Mduku Clinic for treatment.
Hluhluwe Clinic is open from 7am to 4pm, seven days a week, with night shift nurses available for emergencies.
The clinic’s primary focus is preventative measures, including preventing mother and child illnesses, assessing chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes, and treating minor ailments.
Staff members aim to promote primary healthcare, including immunizations, family planning and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STI). While there are no permanent doctors at Hluhluwe Clinic, a doctor does visit on scheduled days throughout the month.
Dentists, optometrists, social workers, physio- and occupational therapists, audiologists and dieticians will also visit the clinic on scheduled days throughout the month.
When necessary, patients requiring X-rays or other more crucial treatment will be referred to Mseleni Hospital.
Should patients from specific sources, such as prisoners, need hospital treatment, their referral will be fast tracked.
Hluhluwe Clinic will participate in inter-clinic co-operation, meaning patients registered at other clinics, if living or working temporarily in Hluhluwe, will be treated at Hluhluwe Clinic.
Staff members at Hluhluwe Clinic look forward to working closely with local doctors and other medical personnel to ensure communities get appropriate, effective treatment.
Hluhluwe Clinic is expected to be officially opened by KZN Health MEC, Sibongiseni Dhlomo, in due course.
@TamlynJolly
