Construction in the upgrade of Victoria Hospital has officially started. Western Cape MEC for Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, launched the R80 million upgrade to the hospital in Wynberg through a ceremonial sod-turning event on April 16. The construction of a new emergency centre is set to be completed in November next year. The upgrade was long overdue as the emergency centre could no longer accommodate the growing population it serves. The hospital treats on average 3 000 patients a month from areas in the southern suburbs for minor and major injuries and illnesses. The existing emergency centre’s main treatment area will increase from seven cubicles to 17, with four resuscitation beds. The current observation and overnight ward will increase from eight beds to 18 beds after the new emergency centre has been completed. “The project will certainly improve the current services that are offered to our patients. This will allow for more patients to be treated at this facility, and will ensure better patient flow, in a bigger and better emergency care facility,” said Dr Mbombo.