Physiotherapy and even legal advice will be among a host of services offered free of charge to community carers in Mitchells Plain.
Staff and students from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) faculties of Community and Health Sciences (CHS), Law, Dentistry and Natural Sciences will provide the services from 30 to 31 March.
The theme for the upcoming outreach programme is, “Wellness Day for Community Health Care Workers”, for 150 Community Rehabilitation Workers (CRWs) and Home-Based Carers.
These carers work tirelessly in their communities but are often unable to set aside the time and resources for their own wellbeing.
“This engagement comes out of having identified that the home-based carers and community rehabilitation workers are an essential part of the health workforce in South Africa. They are at the frontline of bringing health and wellness services to the communities and currently are major role players in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases in communities,” said Professor Firdouza Waggie, CHS Deputy Dean for Clinical and Community Engagement.
The following services will be offered:
· Body Mass Index readings
· Cholesterol readings
· Chronic Disease Management Screening – Blood Pressure
· Blood glucose (HGT) tests
· TB symptoms checks
· Breast examinations,
· Vision (Snellen tests)
· Diet and nutritional advice
· Physiotherapy and biokinetics services
· Dentistry and oral health care
· Natural medicine services
· Legal Education and Awareness
Community engagement and social responsiveness is a fundamental pillar of health sciences education at UWC, and the university has shown and demonstrated that it is committed to going the extra mile in serving the communities in Cape Town and its surrounding areas. This drive and commitment will continue to grow each year, thereby positively impacting communities and making health services accessible to the most vulnerable and marginalised.
The outreach services are pioneered by the team in UWC’s Interprofessional Education Unit (IPEU) under the leadership of Prof Waggie, in partnership with the faculties of Law, Natural Science and Dentistry.
