Confiscated alcohol. Picture: City of Cape Town/Supplied
The Provincial Department of Health and Wellness has noted a concerning increase in trauma cases at its Emergency Centres during the festive season.
The department released the latest data from its Health Emergency Centre Trauma Information System (HECTIS), comparing trauma and non-trauma patient numbers for 2023 and 2024, from December 24 to 26, and consolidated across the region from emergency centres (ECs).
Trauma-related presentations increased from 3 639 cases in 2023 to 3 853 cases in 2024.
Total patient presentations to ECs increased from 11262 in 2023 to 11627 in 2024, underscoring the growing pressure on emergency healthcare services, the department said.
Non-trauma related cases had also increased by 109 cases – from 7375 in 2023 to 7484 this year.
The department said: “The festive season is a time of joy and togetherness, yet it often brings an increase in preventable trauma cases.
“Our Western Cape healthcare workers are on the frontlines, dedicating themselves tirelessly to care for those in need.
“We appeal to our residents and visitors to work with us to ease their burden and ensure a safer festive season for all. We urge everyone to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones during this time.”
Meanwhile, the City’s enforcement departments have confiscated 4730 bottles of liquor from transgressors at beaches, parks and other public places since December 1.
Visitors to public facilities were reminded that it is illegal to consume alcohol in public.
The confiscated alcohol amounts to more than 2 000 litres.
Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith said officers were out in full force to ensure public safety despite the public finding ways of hiding alcohol in public.
“Our officers are out in full force to ensure the safety of everyone and this includes making sure public places are safe.
“They are checking car trunks, coolers, and some unlikely hiding places.
“While visitors are finding more and more ingenious ways to hide their liquor, officers won’t be bamboozled.
We have seen alcohol injected into fruit like watermelon and oranges, hidden inside baby bottles and other liquid containers.
“Some have put their drinks inside municipal waste bins (the green ones normally standing alongside a pole) and then covered it with sand to keep it cool.
“Some bring their liquor in flasks and even blow on it enthusiastically to cool down their fake tea or coffee,” said Smith.
The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre (PECC) has also recorded 1862 incidents over a 48-hour period this past weekend. Of these, 767 were medical complaints.
The centre recorded 81 fire incidents and 77 assault cases.
The department has urged the public to avoid alcohol-related incidents as it noted that alcohol consumption “often plays a role in road accidents, falls, and violence”.
Dr Saadiq Kariem, chief of operations at the provincial health and wellness department, said: “We appeal to the public to visit ECs only for urgent and severe conditions and to consider your local clinic or general practitioner for minor issues.
“By making responsible choices, you can help ensure that those in life-threatening situations receive timely care.”
Cape Times