To all our Patients:
Warm greetings from what feels like the coldest winter ever! We are now on the tail end of what has been a very difficult flu season. There were several viruses “doing the rounds” and in many instances patients improved only to become ill again, thus dubbing it the “boomerang flu”.
Some patients were troubled by relentless coughing, often for several weeks. There is an antiviral treatment available that is helpful for some of the viruses, and if started within the first 1-2 days. Please consult with one of our practitioners if you are not coping at home and consider seeking early assistance to be considered a candidate for antiviral medication.
New Home
It is hard to believe we have already been in our new home (19 Brighton street) for more than six months!
We are loving our new space, the renovation tastefully and cleverly overseen by our very own artist, Anne Sumner! To come to work, see greenery and hear birds is wonderful, but the best news is that it is all on one level and we no longer need to worry about load shedding and the lift! The feedback from our patients too, has been overwhelmingly positive.
Thank You Gladius
Our initial parking problem is largely resolved, mainly through the help of Gladius, the parking attendant we have employed . He helps guide patients where to park and more importantly where not to park, so as not to inconvenience our neighbours.
He also carries a large umbrella to assist patients in the rain should they need such help. We are also looking forward to awaiting council approval of our parking deck on Albert road, which will increase the number of parking bays available.
Welcome back Doctor
We are thrilled to have Dr Zoelle Horowitz back after her maternity leave. She gave birth to a healthy beautiful boy earlier this year, brother to her 2 year old daughter. The patients who know her, know of her compassion, care and competence. This competence includes, but is no means limited to paediatrics.
In addition, there is no doubt that personal experience is both enriching, humbling and the best teacher, thus adding to the care she provides.
Special Recognition
Dr Sumner: Some of you may already know that she is actually a specialist family physician.
Until recently, specialists and GP’s were unable to practice together and she chose to remain registered as a GP so as to continue in the practice. Legislation changed earlier this
year, enabling her to register as she should (ie as a specialist), and still remain part of the practice. She continues to offer the same expertise and compassionate medical care that you have all become accustomed to.
Please be reminded that appointments are 15min long. Should you require extra time (for which there will be a surcharge) please advise the ladies at reception when making your booking.
Best Health Wishes,
Your Hout Bay Family Medical Centre Team