MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The brand new Asla Clinic, built at a total cost of R17 million, began operations on Monday, 1 July under the watchful eye of operational manager Jacqueline Matimba.
From early in the morning, scores of residents from the community visited the new facilities where, in a celebratory atmosphere, patients and visitors were heartily welcomed by the primary health care manager, Sister Maria Manuel.
Staff donned hats and other "decorations" and the waiting room was adorned with wind twirls and balloons that served to amuse the many children who accompanied their parents or carers to the clinic.
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The clinic, at the corner of Crotz Street and Adriaans Avenue in Asla Park. will be operational from 07:00 to 16:00 on week days. Sister Manuel said the operating hours would be reassessed after about six months.
"Patients must please bring their identity document and clinic card or road to health booklet for children under five when visiting the new facility," Sister Manuel advised. She asked patients to inform the department of changes of addresses and contact details.
People in the immediate vicinity of the clinic are advised to make use of the facility, where services will include, apart from the usual health care, treatment for infectious diseases, chronic care, curative services, oral health and rehabilitative health.
Health care professionals will be available, some on certain days and others by appointment only. Medical doctors will be available three times per week by appointment and patients can call 044 814 1850 to book their appointments.
Also, physiotherapist, psychiatric and occupational health services will be available by appointment only. Once a month an eye clinic will be offered by appointment only. High risk pregnancy screening will be done daily and patients referred to a medical practitioner if necessary.
Dentist services will still only be available at the dental clinic at the Alma Clinic and the social worker will only be available by appointment at the Mossel Bay Provincial Hospital.
Pharmacy services for chronic medication are available for stable chronic patients every day and patients are advised to bring their chronic medication with them for each visit.
The new facilities were officially opened in March by the then Energy minister, Jeff Radebe. The clinic was built by PetroSA as part of its community social responsibility programme.
Some of the friendly staff who, under the guidance of operational manager Jacquiline Matimba, will attend to patients at the new Asla Clinic in Asla Park.
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