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Locals can breathe a sigh of relief after the Johannesburg Health District announced that the Westbury Clinic will now operate a 24-hour Accident and Emergency (Casualty) Department. The news, shared earlier this week, has been met with excitement from people living in the area and surrounding communities.
The clinic is set to begin operating on Sunday, 1 February 2026. This development means residents who previously had to travel to other districts or hospitals for urgent medical care can now access services closer to home. Communities such as Sophiatown and Claremont are also expected to benefit, particularly as most public clinics in Gauteng traditionally close at around 5 pm.
For years, many residents were forced to rely on hospitals, often facing long queues and, in some cases, being turned away due to staff shortages and patient overload. Others had no choice but to wait until the next day, when clinics reopened at 7 am. The introduction of a 24-hour emergency service is seen as a significant step forward in easing pressure on hospitals and improving access to healthcare.
The health department's move has also been welcomed as a sign of the government's commitment to prioritising public health.
The emergency unit will treat patients involved in 'motor vehicle accidents, assaults, poisoning cases, serious injuries, and other acute or chronic conditions' requiring urgent attention.
The development could also attract people from neighbouring areas to Johannesburg, further positioning the city as one that prioritises accessible healthcare and quality of life. With millions of residents and Gauteng being the country’s most populated province, the announcement is being hailed as particularly significant for Joburgers.
Following the announcement, residents took to social media to applaud the government’s decision, with hopes that more clinics across the province will soon follow suit by introducing 24-hour emergency services.
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