False Bay Hospital has received the green light for a long-awaited renovation and expansion project.
With provincial government funding now approved, the renovation, set to begin early next year, is expected to address the long-standing issues of overcrowding and outdated facilities.
“We are proud to inform the far south community that we’ll be revamping our emergency centre and the mental healthcare unit,” said head of False Bay Hospital Dr Makondelele Rambiyana.
Felicity Purchase, chair of the hospital board, added: “It’s exciting to reach this milestone—something we’ve been dreaming about for the last 10 years.“
Overcrowding had long been a problem at the hospital, she said.
“We’ve been congested for a long time. Our current facilities can’t keep up with the growing population we serve.“
A more efficient emergency centre will be a key part of the renovation.
The new design, which is still being finalised, will separate the ambulance entrance from the walk-in patients’ entrance, ensuring that emergencies are prioritised.
“Emergencies will finally be treated like emergencies, without getting sidetracked by other patients occupying that space,” Ms Purchase said.
The hospital’s mental health ward would also see improvements, offering a dedicated, secure area for patients and staff, Ms Purchase said.
The renovation, estimated to cost around R20 million according to Ms Purchase, is expected to benefit the local community by improving health-care services and creating job opportunities.
To help fund the hospital’s needs, the board is leading a fund-raising effort.
A key event in this campaign is a Hawaiian-themed dinner and dance, which will be held at the Clovelly Country Club on Friday September 27. Tickets are R250 per person.
Ms Purchase urged the community to support the event, saying the funds raised would go toward essential resources not covered by the hospital’s budget but critical for daily operations and patient care.
“As the regional hospital for this area, we all rely on its services, whether it’s for you, a family member, or your staff,” she said.
Dr Rambiyana praised the community for its continued support.
“Over the years, we’ve been able to raise funds for vital medical equipment and newborn facilities, thanks to the generosity of our community.”
Recently, a community member’s donation made it possible for the hospital to build a covered waiting area.
“This new addition keeps patients protected from the weather while they wait to see their health-care providers and makes a real difference in our patients’ experiences,” Dr Rambiyana said.
To buy tickets for the fund-raiser, contact Lilian Ralton at 084 590 8017 or lilianralton@gmail.com or Irene Butterworth at 082 650 6394 or irenebutterworth@gmail.com.
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