21/08/2026
*MEDIA RELEASE: Riversdale Hospital Emergency Centre under pressure*
_ISSUED by the Western Cape Government Health - 20 August 2026_
Riversdale Hospital’s emergency centre was once again under increasing pressure over the weekend of 14 to 16 August, with a large number of patients visiting the unit for conditions that did not require emergency treatment.
According to Dr Gideon van Tonder, medical manager of the Hessequa sub-district, emergency departments are designed to deal with serious and life-threatening conditions, as well as trauma. “The emergency department is the entry point to the hospital and must be able to handle the pressure of trauma-related incidents. Staff shifts are also planned accordingly”.
“A large number of green cases, which are considered non-urgent according to the triage system, present themselves at the emergency department, especially over weekends. This can significantly increase waiting times for these patients, as patients with more serious conditions are given priority”.
Use your local clinic for non-urgent conditions
Sr Elizabeth Braaf, Primary Healthcare (PHC) manager for the Hessequa sub-district, is urging communities to use the right health service for their needs.
“If it is not an emergency, please go to your nearest clinic to avoid unnecessary delays,” said Braaf. “Several common ailments and minor injuries can be treated at local clinics, including earaches, minor injuries, diarrhoea, a sore nose or mouth, as well as body and joint pain”.
We also remind residents that managing chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma is essential.
When these conditions are not properly controlled, they can quickly worsen and lead to serious complications, including strokes and heart attacks. Some of these emergencies can be prevented with regular follow-up, treatment and the correct use of prescribed medications.
“Consistent, uninterrupted treatment is one of the most powerful tools we have – not only for individual patients, but also to reduce the burden on a healthcare system that is already under enormous pressure. When communities are supported to stick to their treatment schedules, lives are saved,” said Braaf.
“There is currently a perception that patients will be helped more quickly at an emergency department, but this is not necessarily the case. In most cases, however, the opposite is the case,” says Dr Van Tonder. “Patients will not be denied medical services, but it remains important that patients are informed about how the different health services function and where they can receive the most appropriate care for their condition.”
The public is urged to use emergency units for genuine emergencies, while non-urgent conditions and routine care are dealt with at the nearest clinic where possible.
*Caption:* A group of staff in the EC from left: Staff Nurse KS Jansen, EC Operational Manager Sr. S. Ngombane, Dr R. Ebrahim and Sr M. Claassen.
