Upgrades underway at False Bay Hospital to improve patient care and safety

The long-awaited False Bay Hospital upgrade has moved into its early construction phase.

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, says the improvements will enhance patient care, staff experience, and operational efficiency.

Jihaan Opperman, communication officer for the Southern Western Sub-structures, confirmed that the project has now officially begun after careful planning and a transparent tender process.

A contractor has been appointed, and site establishment is expected to begin in November.

Construction will run for about 18 months.

A public meeting was held on Tuesday, October 8, to update residents and stakeholders on the project.

It also marked the start of forming a Project Liaison Committee (PLC) and appointing a Community Liaison Officer (CLO), who will be employed by the contractor to help ensure ongoing community involvement during the build.

The upgrades will include a redesigned emergency care unit with a new ambulance entrance and covered waiting area, as well as a dedicated, secure mental health ward.

The Green Clinic within the outpatients department will be upgraded, and public spaces will be expanded with separate entry and exit points, more internal space, and new ablution facilities.

The hospital’s records room and administration offices will be relocated to improve workflow, and new fire protection systems will be installed to ensure safety compliance.

These improvements aim to strengthen the hospital’s ability to deliver safe, patient-centred care while improving coordination with nearby primary healthcare facilities.

Upgrading this 60-year-old facility is essential to ensure the continued delivery of quality health services, said Ms Opperman. T

They are also informed by lessons learned during Covid-19, the rising demand for mental health services, and the need to handle growing patient numbers more efficiently.

Ward councillor Izabel Sherry welcomed the development, describing it as “a much-needed and welcome upgrade.”

“Improved accessibility, better flow through the facilities, a more comfortable waiting area, and a dedicated emergency entrance will make a real difference,” she said.

“The addition of a mental health ward is especially important, and enhancements to fire and safety compliance are essential. These upgrades will benefit the community immensely.”

Construction will be carried out in phases to reduce disruption, and the outpatient department will continue operating as normal.

Residents can expect to see visible changes from November onward.