Media statement 6 March 2024
Cllr Rina Marx
MMC for Health
On Monday 4 March 2024, I facilitated a health outreach for elderly residents at the Magnolia Haven Dienssentrum in Muckleneuk. I was assisted by nursing staff from the City of Tshwane health promotion team and Diabetes South Africa. The purpose of the outreach was to conduct screening for blood pressure and sugar levels. In addition, residents were informed about the risks associated with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, poor diet, abuse of sleeping medication (sedatives) and sharing medication.
Residents were sensitised about the importance of regular medical checks as a proactive measure to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to provide an early diagnosis in the event of a health complication.
As the MMC for Health, I was very encouraged by the turnout and the willingness of residents to undergo first-level screening. As a trained nursing professional, I used the opportunity to assist with the screening as well. As healthcare professionals, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that elderly residents are not overlooked when it comes to the provision of healthcare and awareness.
To support the elderly, all City of Tshwane primary healthcare clinics prioritise the very sick, frail and elderly patients. There is also the Dablapmeds programme, previously known as the Central Chronic Medicines Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD) programme, which is a free and convenient service that allows a person who is stable to collect their chronic medication at convenient collection points, including private pharmacies. Collection points are discussed by healthcare staff at clinics and agreed upon based on the patient’s preference.
I would like to encourage facility managers of homes catering for the elderly to ensure that health services are brought closer to residents.
Enquiries:
Natashia Chhiba