Patients seeking care at the Bishop Lavis Community Health Centre are gathering outside the facility at 5 AM, two hours before official opening. Community representatives warn that vulnerable residents are at risk of safety while awaiting medical assistance.
Elderly people, mothers with infants, and individuals in wheelchairs were observed queuing on the street in harsh weather conditions. This has renewed calls for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness to engage with the public and resolve long-standing issues related to waiting times and quality of service delivery.
Graham Lindhorst, chairperson of the Bishop Lavis Police Forum (CPF) and a member of the Tigerberg Sub-district Health Forum, stated that the early morning queues are a daily occurrence for residents who feel they have no other choice. He confirmed that residents arrive at the facility early every morning, starting at 5 AM, while the clinic only opens at 7 AM.
Lindhorst emphasized that the area becomes very dangerous in the early hours, putting patients in a vulnerable position while waiting for the clinic to open. He noted that he has raised this issue with the Department of Health for years through his work with the Tigerberg Sub-district Health Forum.
During a meeting with the Tigerberg North Substructure on September 30, 2026, low quality of service and long patient waiting times at the clinic were discussed, but Lindhorst said the meeting did not lead to a resolution. According to him, they only hear demands for patients to come at their scheduled time.
Frustration with service provision has already led to protests in the area. Lindhorst mentioned that a picket was held near the clinic in September following the death of a woman outside the clinic. According to Lindhorst, the incident occurred because the woman, who suffered from heart problems, could not access services. Following this, HOSPERSA demanded an investigation into the woman's death near the Bishop Lavis clinic.
Residents insist that authorities communicate directly with the community to find a long-term solution. They ask officials to come and speak with residents to find a way out of the current situation.
Megan Davies, a representative from the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, reported that clinic management is aware of the situation and understands the discomfort experienced by patients waiting outside. She acknowledged the discomfort associated with waiting outdoors, especially in bad weather, but explained that for safety and patient protection measures, people cannot be allowed onto the premises without staff present.
She specified that the facility operates from 7 AM to 4 PM, with maternity services available 24/7. Davies assured that patients will be provided shelter after the clinic opens and directed to the appropriate services. Acknowledging that waiting time remains an issue, she stated that the average waiting time currently exceeds three hours, and they are working to improve patient flow and service delivery to reduce delays.
The department also stressed that priority is given to patients based on the urgency of their condition, including the elderly, mothers with infants, and people with disabilities. Davies noted that patients are triaged according to the level of urgency, with priority given to needy elderly people, mothers with infants, and persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the department encourages the use of the appointment booking system where applicable to avoid crowds outside.