Khutsong West Clinic to close indefinitely due to sinkhole threat

Khutsong West Clinic to close indefinitely due to sinkhole threat! Residents of Khutsong, situated west of the Merafong City Municipality, have been urged to seek medical attention at alternative healthcare facilities following the indefinite closure of the Khutsong West Clinic. The closure, prompted by a serious sinkhole threat, will take effect on 1 May 2025, according to a statement issued by the Gauteng Department of Health.

This precautionary measure was taken to protect patients, healthcare workers, and other members of the community from potential harm due to geological instability in the area.

Community Advised to Use Nearby Clinics

The Gauteng Department of Health is advising all residents who previously relied on the clinic to utilise other nearby healthcare facilities for their medical needs. Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba explained that the department is doing its best to ensure a smooth transition for patients who will be affected by the closure.

“We urge patients who have been going to Khutsong West Clinic to visit the alternative clinics available in the region. It is important that they bring along their identification documents, such as an ID, passport, or driver’s license, when they attend these clinics,” said Modiba.

Khutsong West Clinic

He further advised patients to inform clinic staff that they are previously from Khutsong West Clinic. This step is crucial to help medical staff access their health records and ensure continuity of care, including ongoing treatment, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments.

Mobile Healthcare Services Will Continue

While the physical clinic is closing, ward-based primary healthcare outreach teams will continue their community-based services in the Khutsong area. These teams play an essential role in providing basic healthcare at a household level, particularly for those who are unable to travel to other facilities.

“The outreach teams will still be active and will continue serving the community to reduce disruption in access to care,” said Modiba. “We understand the impact of this closure, and we want to ensure that the residents of Khutsong continue to receive the healthcare support they need.”

Clinic Staff to Be Reassigned

As part of the response to the closure, staff members from Khutsong West Clinic will not lose their jobs. Instead, they will be reassigned to other clinics in the region, where their expertise can continue to benefit the broader community.

Modiba said the department is working closely with the affected healthcare workers to ensure a seamless transition and minimal disruption to both staff and patients.

Safety Concerns Take Priority

The closure of the Khutsong West Clinic is the result of safety concerns caused by sinkhole formations in the region. This geological issue has been a persistent challenge in parts of Merafong and surrounding areas, which are prone to ground instability due to underlying dolomitic rock.

“We had to prioritise the safety and well-being of both the community and our employees,” said Modiba. “Keeping the clinic open under such dangerous conditions would put lives at risk, and we cannot allow that to happen.”

Apology and Commitment to Service

Modiba concluded by offering an apology to the community for any inconvenience the closure may cause. However, he stressed that the health and safety of residents must come first.

“We apologise to those affected by the closure, and we truly understand how important the clinic has been to this community,” he said. “We plead with the public to use alternative facilities and continue to prioritise their health. The department remains committed to providing accessible, uninterrupted primary healthcare services despite these temporary challenges.”

Residents can contact the local health department for a list of nearby clinics and mobile healthcare services available in the Khutsong area.