Latest news with #DwayneEvans
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Western Cape's Tygerberg Hospital: a decade of delays and unmet promises
Tygerberg Hospital Image: File It has been 16 years since the Western Cape provincial cabinet decided to rebuild Tygerberg Hospital, but the site remains untouched. The project, first announced in 2009, is still stuck in paperwork and planning, with the health department only now moving into the procurement stage. Frustrated residents and critics say it's a clear sign of failure to deliver. Dwayne Evans, spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, confirmed this week that the project has not yet reached the construction phase. 'The Tygerberg Public Private Partnership (PPP) has progressed through feasibility and Treasury approval and is currently preparing its PPP tender documentation for the procurement stage. This stage involves refining the service brief and market-engaging potential partners; it does not involve construction on site yet,' he said. Although the department said the plan for a new hospital is still going ahead, it admits the process has been delayed by design changes and extra technical work. The new Tygerberg Central Hospital is meant to have 893 beds and provide specialised services. It will be supported by a 593-bed Belhar Regional Hospital, which will handle less complex care. The department has said that building will only begin once a private partner is chosen and all funding agreements are finalised. That is not expected before 2028. The estimated cost is around R5 billion, not including medical equipment, but the final cost will depend on the bids received from private companies. Opposition parties said this is not good enough. ANC health spokesperson Rachel Windvogel was blunt in her criticism. 'The state of public healthcare infrastructure in the Western Cape is dire, and the DA-led government's failure to deliver on these mega projects – Klipfontein Regional Hospital, Belhar Regional Hospital, and Tygerberg Central Hospital – is unacceptable,' she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ She added: 'All three projects, conceptualized over a decade ago, remain mired in delays, with Tygerberg's redevelopment stuck in procurement since 2009 and Belhar and Klipfontein still in the design phase. The GF Jooste Hospital was demolished without a timely replacement, forcing communities to wait until 2030 or later for relief. This is a shambolic dereliction of duty.' Windvogel also stressed the importance of economic inclusion in the public-private partnership model. 'While we note Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a global best practice, we insist on stringent provisions to ensure SMMEs, particularly Black (including African, Coloured, and Indian), women, and youth-led businesses, benefit meaningfully.' Unions have also raised concerns. Hospersa – the Health & Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa – supports the idea of the redevelopment but warns that staff are already under immense pressure. Tsholo Ramokoatsi, Labour Relations Organiser for Hospersa said the project could bring much-needed relief, but the long delays are damaging both patients and healthcare workers. 'This project is a good idea because it will rebuild health infrastructure, connect communities, and strengthen partnerships. 'It also has the potential to give low-income individuals access to quality care, even without medical aid.' Ramokoatsi however warned that delays are contributing to an already struggling employer morale at Tygerberg. 'The staff shortage has already made it extremely difficult for our members to cope with the demanding working conditions at Tygerberg. 'The employer is not expanding the capacity of the workforce but expects the same small number of employees to keep the system going.' 'Our members are often forced to work outside their scope of practice to meet the employer's demands. This places them at serious risk of losing their professional licences, particularly in the Nursing Department,' Ramokoatsi added. Weekend Argus
Eyewitness News
26-04-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
World Immunisation Week: WC Health Dept says vaccines play key role in building population immunity
CAPE TOWN - As part of World Immunisation Week, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has explained that vaccines play a vital role in keeping communities safe and healthy. The campaign, which is observed from 24 to 30 April, aims to raise awareness about the critical role vaccines play in preventing serious diseases. ALSO READ: Immunisation protects and builds population immunity Vaccines not only protect people but also safeguard vulnerable groups, including people with weakened immune systems and pregnant women, who may not be able to receive the jab. Department spokesperson Dwayne Evans said vaccines are key to building population immunity, helping communities stay healthier and more resilient. 'Vaccines are among the most powerful tools we have to protect individuals and communities from life-threatening diseases. They have successfully eradicated or significantly reduced illnesses such as polio, measles, and diphtheria in many parts of the world.' He added that vaccines help the body recognise and fight harmful germs. 'So, vaccines support the body's natural defences by helping the immune system recognise and respond to harmful germs more effectively.'
Eyewitness News
26-04-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
Immunisation protects and builds population immunity
JOHANNESBURG - The common cold, flu, measles and polio were once life-threatening diseases, but vaccines have saved millions of lives. Regular vaccinations have protected children and adults from life-altering diseases such as polio that could leave one paralysed. Spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Dwayne Evans, said that vaccines are some of the most powerful tools humanity has in fighting against infectious diseases. "The department regularly conducts vaccine drives across the province, especially in communities where the vaccine uptake may be lower. These drives are aligned with national health priorities, including the recent campaign for measles and HPV." He adds that immunisation protects the person who receives the vaccine and helps build population immunity. "In addition, catch-up immunisation forms part of our EPI or Expanded Program on Immunisation. This allows health care workers to bring a child's vaccinations up to date, if any scheduled doses have been missed."
