Cape Town - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has embarked on a series of oversight visits.
His first stop was an unannounced visit to Stellenbosch Hospital last week.
“Frontline health-care services are being affected by budget cuts forced on the Western Cape Government due to the centrally negotiated public sector wage agreement.
“It is, therefore, important that I see for myself how operations at health facilities are being affected,” he said.
While engaging with patients in the hospital’s waiting area, some told him they had been waiting long to receive attention.
Sister Rene da Silva, head of nursing at Stellenbosch Hospital, said the average waiting time is 30 minutes.
However, she added the facility’s appointment system helped avoid longer waiting times as well as the duplication of patient files, which helps streamline services.
Winde praised the facility’s management for embracing innovation, but suggested that there should be better public awareness of the system.
Staff shortages were also raised with Winde as he was given a tour of a newly renovated section of the hospital.
Winde’s next stop was the recently renovated Provincial Veterinary Laboratory.
Head of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Dr Mogale Sebopetsa said: “This facility helps ensure your steak is safe to eat.”
During his visit, Winde noted: “This state-of-art laboratory conducts approximately 310 000 tests annually and boasts the largest scope of accredited testing among government veterinary laboratories in South Africa. Around 50% of tests done at this facility are for other provinces. The laboratory’s high standards are nationally recognised. We will continue investing in innovation and technology to keep improving the critical work this facility does in ensuring the food we eat is safe and ensuring the province’s food security.”
Earlier in the week, Winde accompanied police and Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (Leap) officers on a safety walkabout in the Site C and B areas of Khayelitsha, during which he also engaged with community members.
“Every resident I spoke to raised concerns around safety in their area. SAPS and Leap members work handin-hand to bolster our combined safety and security efforts. In my discussions with SAPS commanders who accompanied us, it was encouraging to hear that they appreciate the work our Leap officers do as force multipliers and welcome the added resources they bring with them. I still firmly believe we could do so much more if policing powers were devolved to the provincial government.”
Cape Argus