A Maternity Obstetric Unit (MOU) has been opened at the Du Noon Community Health Centre.

This is the first MOU to be opened in the Cape Metro in the last decade. Dr Kathryn Grammer, Director of the Western and Southern Health District says: “This is the first MOU commissioning in over a decade in our Metro Health District and we see it as the completion of a long journey towards a comprehensive Primary Health Care service package at Du Noon CHC and the surrounding community which will assist us to realise our Healthcare 2030 vision.” She adds: “Our community will now have quicker access to critical obstetric care and detection of any intrapartum problems so that our skilled midwives and supportive medical team can ensure rapid treatment and up-referral to secondary level care at Somerset Hospital where needed,” says Dr Kathryn Grammer, Director of the Western and Southern Health District.”

Western Cape MEC for Health and Wellness, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo says: “As we celebrate Women’s Month, we welcome the new 24-hour maternity service which will ensure a full package of care is offered to pregnant women accessing services at the healthcare facility.” She added: “It is very fitting that a day after National Women’s Day, which has such deep meaning in Southern African history in Women’s Month 2022, that we have chosen to celebrate this positive milestone. Many South African women face immense challenges such as Gender Based Violence, societal barriers and worsening socio-economic hardships daily while bringing up their families. As a department we are committed to continue making a difference in all aspects of women’s health services to respond where we can to empower, care and support women.”

Kangaroo Maternal Care, phototherapy for jaundice, and post-partum care are critical services offered at Du Noon MOU to mothers and neonates.

Sr Josephine Rabele, Operational Manager for the MOU and Antenatal Clinic at the Du Noon CHC says: “Although we encourage breastfeeding, we understand that not all moms are able to breastfeed. Our priority here is to ensure all babies are well-fed and our mothers are happy. We want our mothers (and dads) to know that we are here for you and will walk the journey with you,”