Oakley Clinic Now Offers 24-Hour Maternity Services

Since 11 October, the Oakley Clinic in Bushbuckridge has extended its operating hours from eight hours, five days a week, to a 24-hour community health centre (CHC). This development fulfils a commitment made by Mpumalanga’s MEC for Health, Sasekani Manzini, during the clinic’s official opening in September last year. In addition to the extended hours, the facility has introduced maternity services, addressing a significant healthcare gap for the local community.

Previously, residents had to travel to other health centres or hospitals to access maternity services, as they were not available at the Oakley Clinic. The new 24-hour schedule and expanded service offerings mark a substantial improvement in healthcare accessibility for the area, ensuring that crucial medical services are available around the clock.

Manzini, speaking during a visit to the clinic, explained that the original plan always included a transition to 24-hour operations. “When we initially opened the centre, we did intend to make it operational 24 hours a day,” she said. “The primary purpose of my visit today is to ensure that the facility is fully prepared and ready to meet the community’s needs.”

She highlighted that several factors had been considered before making the change, including the state of the area and its location. “Before we extend the hours or convert a facility to 24-hour operations, we begin by monitoring various issues, such as the area’s condition and the facility’s location,” Manzini noted. Bushbuckridge is divided into three zones—north, midland, and mid-south—and while some of these areas already have 24-hour clinics and hospitals, this particular zone previously lacked a CHC with round-the-clock service.

Manzini emphasised the importance of spreading the word about the new maternity services. “Pregnant women who wish to deliver their babies should come to this centre rather than travel to a hospital, as the necessary services are now available here. Let everyone know that everything is prepared and that the facility is ready, especially for expectant mothers,” she said. The introduction of maternity services is expected to greatly benefit women in the community, who can now access essential care without the burden of long-distance travel.

The MEC also called for mutual respect between healthcare staff and patients, underlining that cooperation is essential for effective service delivery. “During consultations, respect is vital from both nurses and patients to ensure that everyone can be productive and work together towards a common goal,” she added.

The Oakley Clinic’s transition to a 24-hour CHC with maternity services marks a significant step towards improving healthcare in Bushbuckridge. The new schedule aims to better serve the community’s needs, offering accessible and comprehensive medical services at all hours.