Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital feeling the festive season pressure

Staff at the Mitchell’s Plain District Hospital (MPDH) are under strain, as they see approximately 5 000 patients a month, with many of these patients being admitted for trauma-related incidents.

MPDH Executive Officer, Evan Swart, said during weekends, of all the patients treated at the facility, between 50% to 60% are trauma-related cases.

In December 2022, the hospital’s emergency centre treated 1 009 patients for a range of injuries, the vast number of them for stabbings, blunt force assault and motor vehicle accidents.

Swart said despite the challenges his staff faces, they always lend a helping hand.

“We all support each other, that is how we cope. We have some of the best doctors and nurses, and we will always do our level best to maintain our standards," said Evan Swart, MPDH Executive Officer.

Night Assistant Nursing Manager Sister, Ellaine Piliso, explained her staff are always motivated, but many do come under strain. Piliso commended the local police for all they do for the community and the hospital, in keeping the facility and staff safe.

The Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, as well as MEC for Police Oversight & Communtiy Safety, Reagen Allen, visited the emergency centre hospital on Saturday. The two government officials, joined several Mitchells Plain Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) groups and South African Police (SAPS) officials on a walkabout in the Eastridge and surrounding areas.

PHOTO: WCGov

Allen said law enforcement agencies and community-based structures are intensifying their safety efforts over the festive period.

“It is vital that we continue to be visible in all our communities. My gratitude goes to all the amazing volunteers, particularly those from the Eastridge, Rocklands, Portlands, Westridge, Tafelsig East and West, Hyde Park and Beacon Valley NHWs and the Community Police Forum (CPF), who are actively contributing to creating safer areas. They are our extra ‘ears and eyes’ who help law enforcement.’’

‘’I want to assure our residents that more patrols and visibility can be expected. There will be a strong focus on raids on ‘drug houses’ to confiscate illicit items and arrest those involved in these activities, while more inspections will occur at liquor outlets to ensure that they are compliant,’’ added Reagen Allen, Western Cape Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC.

Premier Winde has appealed to all Western Cape residents to celebrate responsibly.

“This is a time of joy and inclusion and so we should all show respect for one another.’’

 

Done By: Mitchum George