Garden Route health 'not forgotten'

KNSYNA | PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Last week, Western Cape Minister of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo visited various healthcare facilities along the Garden Route to evaluate how the region is coping with the Covid-19 pandemic, along with promoting the new Behavioural Change Campaign.

Mbombo, accompanied by Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Mayor Memory Booysen, began their tour with a visit to the newly upgraded Kranshoek Clinic in Plettenberg Bay on Tuesday 11 August.

Mbombo also made a stop at the New Horizons Clinic and the Kwanokuthula CDC.

"It is important for us as government to ensure that the healthcare package offered in our facilities suits the needs of our communities… We continuously strive to offer the best services to all our clients in the best possible facilities," Mbombo said.

The following day Mbombo visited the Khayalethu, Hornlee and Knysna town clinics as well as the Knysna Provincial Hospital, accompanied again by Booysen and Dr Andries Brink, medical manager in the Knysna/Bitou sub-districts. At the various facilities, the minister received feedback from the medical staff on their refurbishments, and also their progress in negating the Covid-19 pandemic. She also handed out masks to all in attendance.

Handing out masks, Western Cape Minister of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo speaks with a member of the public.

While speaking at the Knysna Town Clinic, Mbombo pointed out that the Garden Route remains a priority for the department. "Just because we are based in the metro areas and things have been difficult there, we have not forgotten about the Garden Route and the good work staff here have done," Mbombo said. "The Garden Route has coped well and really done their best."

Garden Route District Mayor Memory Booysen addresses staff at the Knysna Town Clinic.

Booysen echoed these sentiments: "Sometimes we politicians forget to recognise and give credit to those working on the front line, but I would personally like to commend and thank all of you for the amazing work you have done."

After Knysna, Mbombo made her way to George on Thursday 13 August before rounding out her week in Mossel Bay.

Western Cape Minister of Health Dr Nomafrench Mbombo arrives at the Knysna Town Clinic. Photos: Blake Linder