Dear patient and friend (l really view you as my friend).
With Covid-19, we live in very interesting times, with much change, which is occurring at a rapid rate affecting everyone. How we work, how we shop, how schools and universities function, how we play sport and how we socialise have changed. Even us older folk must become social media whizzes!! Time will tell as to how much good will come of all this change.
Change is also occurring at the practice, but this is a change that I can assure you is for the better. I have decided that we want to run the best quality traditional family practice in Cape Town. We have a massive advantage in achieving this, as we both have been doing this for many, many years, and we both remember the benefits to our patients of running such a family-centric practice.
You may have noticed that we have upgraded the surgery as part of our new rebranding process. We hope you like the new look and feel. So far, those that have come in have all said they have enjoyed the new look. The project will revamp the practice entirely. Phase 2 is about to begin, that is, expanding the procedures room into a more spacious area. The current procedure room, which has stood me well for many years, is now proving to be a little too pokey. This change will be good for everyone. Related to these physical changes is our reassessment of the service we give you. We have decided to return to good traditional family medicine and put, you our patient, at the centre of our service. This means:
- We will be available to our patients on a 24-hour basis
- Should you be unable to come to the surgery, we will gladly do a house call. It is always great to see you at the practice, and although getting out and about is usually good for you, we appreciate that some folks have mobility problems. We are happy to come round to see you should the need arise.
- Should you feel, especially with Covid being around, you would not rather be exposed to the environment; we will be happy to arrange a tele-consult which can be by phone or by Zoom.
- We do not want consultations to feel rushed. We want to give you every opportunity to outline your problem and receive a good explanation of your diagnosis and management. Usual consultation times will thus be twenty minutes.
- We will listen to you, care for you, check up on you when necessary and advise you as any good friend should.
So what will change in what you’ve hopefully had before……?. We hope to be better and more available and more caring, thus enabling us better to serve you and achieve our goal.
We both have no intention of retiring soon. We aim to be at the Vines for many years to come. I must mention that recently I have had a severe bout of shingles, which has limited my ability to work. This has meant that I haven’t been available quite so regularly as in the past. Please forgive us for this blimp in our service. The good news is that I am on the mend and hope to be back to my usual self soon. In the meantime, to fully recover, I may not work the whole day, but I aim to return to a full day before too long. Please be rest assured that we both will be in full-time practice for many years to come.
Kim Van As will still do the accounting, and Shannon Greenfield will do reception – nothing has changed.
Welcome to The Vines Family Practice
Kind Regards,
