The site visit at Pholela 0n 11 July 2012 was very encouraging. A presentation on the MLCs was given by the MEPI-employed Family Medicine Physician. The district manager & CHC manager endorsed their support for student training at Pholela. The ward councillor, health programme managers and CCGs (community care givers) were all informed. The district is working on PHC re-engineering and restarting COPC in the area. The collaboration with UKZN is seen as part of this.
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There are five houses that were the original residences. Ten new single flatlets are being built and the occupants of four of the old houses will move into the new flatlets in September 2012. One house is occupied by the medical manager.
These four houses are being offered to MEPI. The houses are oval-shaped with a bedroom on each end and a kitchen, lounge and bathroom. Each bed-room can accommodate 2 single beds. The houses are thatch-roofed. The Department of Public Works is re-roofing the houses. The floors will also need to be tiled.
Pholela CHC would be able to take students from 2013. It is a good site for selectives from year 2-4 as well as for rural rotations in 4th & 6th year. The students will get good exposure to PHC, COPC and the workings of the district team. The medical officers at Pholela do calls at St. Apollonaris Hospital 50km away. The students should join the MOs once a week for additional clinical teaching.