Groote Schuur hospital launched the first of its kind state of the art Diabetes Centre on Monday 15 November.
The centre, which is a first in the public health sector in the country will be a one-stop hub offering extensive and expanded services to reduce complications from diabetes and to improve mobility and mortality of people living with diabetes.
The launch coincides with World Diabetes Day which was commemorated on Sunday 14 November.
Dr Joel Dave, Head of Endocrinology at the hospital says patients at the centre will have access to podiatrists, ophthalmologists and dieticians among others.
“Generally when a person with diabetes is diagnosed with a problem, they have to go home and await a clinic visit in the public sector or phone and make an appointment with a doctor. Here patients will be referred from room to room depending on their needs.”
Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, provincial minister of health, says the facility is much-needed as she has first-hand experience as a former nurse in the public health of the challenges people living with diabetes face.
“It also places enormous pressure on our healthcare system, however, we must do more in providing affordable and uninterrupted access to diabetes care for everyone,” concludes Mbombo.
