Western Cape residents received a promising boost to their healthcare accessibility with the inauguration of the Du Noon Wellness Hub. The wellness hub, situated at the local community hall, was opened by Western Cape minister of health and wellness Professor Nomafrench Mbombo, and aims to bridge the gap in healthcare services and prioritise the community’s health journey.
The significance of this endeavour is underscored by the pressing need for accessible healthcare in the region. With the Du Noon Community Health Centre already grappling with high patient volumes, the establishment of the wellness hub couldn’t have come at a more crucial time.
Mbombo highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “The launch of the Wellness Hub in a more centrally located area brings healthcare services closer to the community ensuring that patients can more easily access free wellness services and prioritize their health journey.”
Wide range of essential services
The hub offers a range of essential services including family planning, chronic diseases screening, child health services, and HIV and TB screening. Operating between 09:00-12:00 every Tuesday to Thursday, the hub caters to the diverse healthcare needs of the community.
Reuben Christoffels, Du Noon CHC facility manager, expressed enthusiasm about the project, emphasising the importance of community empowerment in healthcare decisions.
“We are very excited about working with our NPO partners to establish wellness services in the heart of the community. By establishing the new wellness hub, we are ensuring that our community has the power and access to free wellness services closer to home.”
Reuben Christoffels
The initiative aligns with the department of health’s community oriented primary care (COPC) policy. Mbombo further elaborated, stating, “The establishment of the Du Noon Wellness Hub represents our COPC policy in action and will go a long way in continuing to ensure that we leave no-one behind in providing healthcare to our communities.”
This shift towards community-oriented healthcare is not just a vision but a reality in action. Minister Mbombo encapsulated this sentiment, stating, “Gone are the days that we need to adhere to the hegemony of physical healthcare facilities, where instead we can embrace dynamic initiatives that bring healthcare closer to the people who need it.”
As healthcare evolves, initiatives like the Du Noon Wellness Hub serve as beacons of progress, ensuring that communities are empowered to take charge of their health and well-being. With its doors open and services readily available, the hub stands as a testament to the commitment of healthcare providers and community organizations to improve healthcare accessibility for all.
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