Key Takeaways
- The Western Cape Health and Wellness Department is experiencing significant pressure across hospitals and emergency centres in the province this festive season.
- 74,300 people were admitted to hospitals between December 2 and January 4, including 18,600 trauma cases and 52,200 medical admissions.
- The department is appealing to the public to only visit emergency centres with emergencies and to expect long waiting times.
- The public is urged to make responsible healthcare choices to help ease the pressure on hospitals and emergency centres.
- Hospitals in the province made close to 4,000 admissions on New Year’s Day, including 1,378 trauma cases and 2,464 medical admissions.
Introduction to the Crisis
The Western Cape Health and Wellness Department is facing significant pressure across hospitals and emergency centres in the province this festive season. According to the department, a total of 74,300 people were admitted to hospitals between December 2 and January 4. This number includes 18,600 trauma cases and 52,200 medical admissions. The department’s head, Dr Keith Cloete, has attributed the high number of admissions to the usual trauma cases that occur during the festive season, as well as patients who are ill due to chronic medical conditions.
The Cause of the Pressure
Dr Cloete explained that the pressure on hospitals and emergency centres is not only due to trauma cases, but also due to patients who are ill because of chronic medical conditions. He stated that "there are service pressures across all of our hospitals and emergency centres since New Year’s Eve and the festive season." This suggests that the department is experiencing a higher than usual number of admissions, which is putting a strain on the healthcare system. The department is urging the public to be vigilant about looking after their chronic medical conditions to avoid any exacerbations, which would further add to the pressure on hospitals and emergency centres.
Appeal to the Public
The department is appealing to the public to only visit emergency centres with emergencies and to expect long waiting times. Dr Cloete has asked the public to be patient with staff members who are working long hours and under difficult conditions. He expressed his gratitude to patients and their families who are kind and patient to staff members, stating that it is "really appreciated." The department is also urging the public to make responsible healthcare choices to help ease the pressure on hospitals and emergency centres. This includes taking care of chronic medical conditions and avoiding unnecessary visits to emergency centres.
New Year’s Day Admissions
The department has reported that hospitals in the province made close to 4,000 admissions on New Year’s Day. According to Chief Operating Officer Dr Saadiq Kariem, the emergency centres were "extremely busy" on New Year’s Day, with 3,989 admissions. This number includes 1,378 trauma cases and 2,464 medical admissions. The high number of admissions on New Year’s Day is a clear indication of the pressure that hospitals and emergency centres are facing during the festive season. The department is working hard to manage the situation and is urging the public to cooperate by making responsible healthcare choices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Western Cape Health and Wellness Department is facing significant pressure across hospitals and emergency centres in the province this festive season. The high number of admissions, including trauma cases and medical admissions, is putting a strain on the healthcare system. The department is appealing to the public to only visit emergency centres with emergencies and to expect long waiting times. By making responsible healthcare choices, the public can help ease the pressure on hospitals and emergency centres. The department is working hard to manage the situation and is grateful for the cooperation and understanding of the public. By working together, we can ensure that everyone receives the medical attention they need during this busy period.