Natalie Watlington, provincial health department spokeswoman
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is prioritising the health and safety of all patients during this cold season.
With winter upon us, many people are navigating healthcare facilities visits amidst cold and wet conditions.
While winter brings its own set of challenges, we want to ensure that your visit to your local clinic is safe and comfortable.
Healthcare facilities across the province have appointment systems in place to ensure that you can cut down on longer waiting times and only arrive 30 minutes before your appointment.
Deidre Poole, the Acting Primary Healthcare Manager for clinics in the Southern and Western sub-districts, encourages residents to make use of the appointment system and to reach out to local facility managers if they have any concerns.
“As we navigate the challenges of winter, the safety and wellbeing of our patients when visiting our clinics are our top priority. This is especially important when it concerns our elderly and other vulnerable groups. We ask that you only arrive 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the clinic you visit, before your appointment to reduce your waiting time,” she said.
You can access emergency care at your local clinic. Remember, we follow the triage system. This means that when you enter a facility, they are assessed and triaged to ensure that they are seen according to the degree of urgency their condition requires.
Patients are triaged green, yellow, orange or red, with red representing being the most urgent cases.
If you are triaged yellow and green and you do not require a life-saving intervention, this could mean that you will have a much longer waiting time if visiting a facility’s emergency centre, especially when it is very busy over weekends and after hours.
Staff nurse Leonard at the Hout Bay Community Day Centre adds, “We also attend to patients arriving at our clinic that are 'unbooked' or in other words, are ill, but do not have an appointment. Because patients believe they are seen based on their arrival time, they often arrive as early as possible.
“We need our patients to know that when they do not have a booking, they are triaged and will be treated according to the level of urgency based on their medical need.”
In addition to preparing for your visit, it's important to protect your overall health during the colder month.
Remember to stay proactive by getting your flu vaccine at your local clinic and making healthy choices to keep your immune system strong.
Here are some additional tips for staying healthy this winter, including simple steps you can take at home:
Get your flu shot: Protect yourself and others by getting the flu vaccine. It's one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal flu and its complications. The vaccine, simply put, works by giving our bodies the necessary tools it needs to fight off the flu.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching common surfaces. Use hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available. Remember to assist children by teaching them the importance of keeping their hands clean.
Stay active: Exercise regularly to boost your immune system and improve overall health. Even simple activities like walking or stretching indoors can make a difference. Join a community wellness group, if you are able to.
Eat a balanced diet: Take care of your body with healthy foods. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help support your immune system. If you require support, please speak to a healthcare worker who can refer you to a dietitian or social worker for support.
Stay hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day protects your health. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Get plenty of rest: Prioritise sleep and aim for 8 hours of quality sleep each night. A well-rested body is better equipped to fight infections.
Find your closest clinic here: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/directories/facilities/944.
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