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MPlain maternity centre a relief for mothers

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Pregnant women in the greater Mitchell’s Plain area will be provided more specialised care through a new health project. The Western Cape Minister of Health, Theuns Botha, launched a Maternal Patient-Centred Care initiative at the Mitchells Plain Community Health Centre (CHC) on Wednesday. Addressing a group of 50 pregnant patients and new mothers, the minister spoke of the huge achievement this initiative is for the facility. The new initiative comes after some patients expressed their concerns on the overall service at the CHC as a result of the limited resources.

According to the facility’s Lumka Godlwana, due to complaints from patients, the facility has now taken a step toward bettering its service and efforts in making sure that pregnant women receive the best possible health care they can provide. The launch included a new unit for mothers, which consists of a post-natal area along with a birth facility stocked with all the material and equipment needed.

“We want to say thank you to all those who have been a part of this project. It is through your efforts and time that we can now move along the process of better service. We cannot guarantee that this process will be a quick but we can ensure that this project is a work in progress,” Godlwana said.

MEC Botha congratulated the team at the hospital for their service as health care professionals and commended the team on their achievements.

The facility first formed part of the Mowbray Maternity Hospital but now, due to this project, will be able to assist mothers through their process independently.

In line with the focus on women’s strengths in Women’s Month in August, Botha explained that this launch is aimed at highlighting the mistreatment experienced by women in maternity services.

“We need to change the way society views pregnant women. They should be put on a pedestal and respected as they are carrying a new life. We call on the men in our communities to take stock of their lives and accept responsibility with their partners by assisting and being present throughout the process of pregnancy,” Botha said.

His address received cheers from the room of pregnant mothers who echoed the sentiments of the MEC.

The child bearing patients who were in line for their check ups received a gift bag from the MEC.

Meanwhile, Botha added that this opportunity will highlight the Western Cape Government Health’s commitment to patient-centred care as a fundamental principle 2030 strategy.

“The optimal care for a pregnant woman and her unborn baby is the cornerstone on well-functioning health system,” Botha said.

Sitting at the CHC, a young pregnant Ashley Petersen said she was more than satisfied with the service which she received at the CHC thus far.

“This is my third child and in every experience I have walked away feeling extremely positive. Here you not only receive physical assistance but also, mentally, they put your mind at ease by taking you step-by-step on how to best care for your baby. Because of my previous experiences, this is the only place I feel comfortable delivering my baby.”

Another soon-to-be-mother from the area, Asiphe Molopa, expecting to birth her first baby at the CHC, was extremely nervous. But now that she has had a few visits and has become familiar with the friendly staff, she no longer feels anxious.

“People think that because this is a public facility, you receive limited assistance but this is not the case. Here you are cared for and the fact that you can sense the genuine support from the staff as soon as you walk in makes this process a lot less stressful”. VOC (Ra’eesah Isaacs)


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