WC Health Dept under pressure as emergency rooms are overcrowded

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has urged the public to help reduce trauma cases in emergency centres this festive season.

The department released its latest data comparing trauma and non-trauma patient numbers for 2023 and 2024 from December 24 to 26.

In a statement, the department says in 2023 over 11 200 patients were admitted to emergency centres, whilst nearly 11 700 people sought medical attention at these facilities this year. This indicates an increase of about 500 patients who were rushed to emergency rooms this festive season.

The department says both trauma-related and non-trauma-related incidents at emergency centres increased since 2023.

It says these increases emphasise the growing pressure on emergency healthcare services.