OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Healthcare in Bridgton is being extended beyond the walls of the local clinic with a range of outreach programmes aimed at making health services more accessible to the residents.
From door-to-door household visits and community information sessions to diabetes support groups, youth activities and programmes for senior citizens, Bridgton Clinic is strengthening its role as a community health hub.
“We want to offer as many health services as possible and make access to these services as easy as possible,” said health promoter Eshida May, one of the driving forces behind many of the clinic’s outreach programmes and community initiatives.
Primary healthcare manager Nadine Jackson said healthy households were at the centre of the clinic’s approach. “When members of a household are healthy, they are able to make meaningful contributions to society,” she said.
Many of the clinic’s services are taken directly into neighbourhoods through regular outreach initiatives and partnerships with local organisations.
Supporting children and families
Bridgton Clinic continues to provide routine childhood immunisations, while home visits are conducted where necessary to ensure children remain up to date with their vaccinations.
The clinic’s Community-Oriented Primary Care (COPC) approach focuses on identifying healthcare needs within households and connecting residents with the relevant support services.
Bridgton Clinic’s diabetes support group provides residents living with diabetes practical guidance on managing their condition, including healthy lifestyle choices, foot care and self-care skills. Photo: Supplied
Support for senior citizens
Older residents are also benefitting from the Western Cape on Wellness (WOW) Club, which provides opportunities for social interaction, activities and support.
The club meets every Tuesday and Wednesday and includes services such as Meals on Wheels, support through the Elderly Prevention Desk and various social activities.
Residents who would like to join the club or receive Meals on Wheels services may contact Miriam Darries on 076 511 5813.
Youth given safe space
The clinic’s Youth Zone provides a safe and supportive environment to young people after 14:00, offering fun and educational activities.
Young residents are also encouraged to approach the clinic for health advice or access to available services.
Helping residents manage diabetes
The clinic’s diabetes support group has already completed eight successful sessions, helping participants learn more about managing diabetes through practical guidance.
Topics covered included wound and foot care, healthy nutrition and self-care skills.
A new support group will begin at the Bridgton Library in July. Residents living with diabetes who are interested in joining are encouraged to contact Bridgton Clinic.
Door-to-door outreach resumes
The clinic’s COPC door-to-door campaign will return to Smartie Town in July, and representatives from several partner organisations will join the initiative.
These include South African National Tuberculosis Association (Santa), Christian Counselling, Meals on Wheels, the Elderly Prevention Desk, the ACVV and the Associations of and for Persons with Disabilities (APD).
The visits take place twice a month and allow organisations to identify household needs while providing assistance wherever possible.
“We started with door-to-door visits a few years ago,” said May. “We map streets and visit every home with representatives from different organisations to better understand what residents need and provide services immediately where we can.”
Partnerships strengthen services
The clinic’s community network includes organisations such as Easy Care, loveLife, Families SA (Famsa), the Department of Health, the police, neighbourhood watches, Santa workers, Huis Betanie Rehabilitation Centre for Underweight Children, the ACVV, Child Welfare, the Department of Correctional Services, Department of Social Development, Oudtshoorn Youth, Christian Counselling, the Elderly Prevention Desk, WOW Club and Bridgton Clinic staff.
The clinic also works closely with its clinic committee, which assists with communication and community support, while Eden FM regularly helps promote events and provides live broadcasts during major community programmes.
“Our programmes are successful because so many organisations work together,” said May. “By bringing services directly into communities, we make healthcare more accessible and ensure that people receive the support they need.”
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