General FAQ
Our main facility is situated at 105 William Nicol Drive, Fourways. Opposite Leaping Frog Shopping Centre. We are open Monday to Friday and operate on a first-come-first-serve basis.
We provide multi-disciplinary primary healthcare services such as HIV and TB testing and treatment, mental health, maternal and child health, dentistry, and we have an in-house pharmacy. For a full list of our services, you can visit our website: www.witkoppen.org.za
How much do your services cost?
Each primary visit will cost R100 for adults and R70 for children and pensioners. This fee includes any laboratory tests and medication.
The Clinic is open Monday to Friday. Due to the limited number of staff, only a maximum number of patients can be allowed in a day before the gate is closed. You are advised to come very early as patients are allowed in on first-come-first-serve basis.
Please note we are not open on weekends or public holidays. Additionally, Witkoppen Clinic will be closed on the last Friday of March and September for stock-taking every year.
If you’d like to get in touch with the clinic directly, you can give us a call on 011 705 2438 or email us at info@witkoppen.co.za.
Patients are attended on a first come first serve basis. Due to shortage of staff, there’s a maximum intake of patients each day. All subsequent visits are scheduled according to our booking system.
I have an urgent medical problem; will you be able to see me if the clinic is full?
Emergency patients are always fast-tracked irrespective of patient numbers
How long will I have to wait in the queue?
Please note, we are not able to guarantee waiting times. Unfortunately, if the clinic is busy you will have to wait longer as other patients are being seen to. We’re trying our best to assist everyone as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.
As we are a primary healthcare clinic, we do not accept medical aid.
Do you provide services to non-South African citizens?
Yes, we welcome all citizens without any discrimination.
No. Witkoppen Clinic is a South African non-profit organisation with the Department of Health as its entrusted partner.
No, but a certificate of attendance is issued if you request it.
Can Witkoppen assist with surgical procedures?
We do not do surgeries at our facility in Fourways, however if you come for a consultation, our doctors will examine you and determine if the diagnosis is correct, and if so refer you to a hospital for the surgery. You can come in for an assessment and we will refer you to surgical outpatients at the hospital nearest to you.
Do you have x-ray facilities at your clinic?
No, we do not have any x-ray facilities. We suggest you consult with an alternative health care service provider closest to you.
I am not happy or satisfied with the clinic and I have a complaint
We welcome all feedback. If you’d like to lodge a complaint, please send an email to the clinic directly at info@witkoppen.co.za and we will do our best to assist.
Appointments
I have been told to come back in a month for my next appointment. What happens at follow up visits?
Follow up visits are scheduled according to a booking system. You will be sent an SMS a week in advance and the day before to remind you of your appointment.
Is it possible to change my appointment?
Yes, it is. Please call us on 011 705 2438 and you will be referred to someone who will assist with changing the appointment. You can also email us on info@witkoppen.co.za.
Men
Currently we do not provide a circumcision service at our clinic.
We advise you seek an alternative health care service provider closest to you. To find your nearest facility that offers medical circumcisions, please contact the Innovo call centre on 068 007 0070.
Do I need to know my status before booking my circumcision procedure?
No, but all patients are encouraged to test prior to undergoing the procedure.
Women
A family planning visit only is R50, however if you are consulting for family planning and other services, you will be charged R70.
Witkoppen does do pap smears, which is a screening procedure for cancer of the cervix. Please do not come for a pap smear
whilst menstruating, wait for at least two days after menstruation is completed
Do you have services to check if one has breast cancer?
Breast examinations are done in our family planning clinic during normal clinic hours. The nurses can also teach you how to conduct a monthly breast examination at home. If an abnormality is detected, you will be referred to the nearest hospital for further testing. We do not do mammograms or breast ultrasounds at our clinic.
When is the registration for pregnant women open?
We encourage women to visit the clinic before they are 20 weeks pregnant. If positively screened for pregnancy, you will be referred to the antenatal and postnatal department. After your first visit you will be scheduled for follow up antenatal care.
Do you conduct pregnancy blood tests?
Yes, we do conduct pregnancy blood tests at our clinic.
I have just found out that I am pregnant, how soon should I come to the clinic?
You need to come to the clinic as soon as possible to ensure that both you and your baby are healthy. We have antenatal services from Monday to Friday – please note that we are not open during weekends or public holidays. We advise that you get to the clinic early, as you may be there until the afternoon to complete all the necessary consultations, HIV counselling and testing, health education, and examination.
Can I deliver my baby at Witkoppen clinic?
We do not have facilities for you to deliver your baby at our clinic. You will be referred to the OR Tambo Clinic in Diepsloot Ext 2, if you are a low-risk patient and to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital if you have experienced problems during your pregnancy. One of our midwives will indicate which hospital you need to visit on your carry card.
Do you do termination at your clinic?
Witkoppen does not offer termination of pregnancy services; however if you consult one of our clinicians and request a termination, Witkoppen will refer you to a facility providing the service.
Do you remove birth control implants?
Yes, we do remove birth control implants. Please visit our preventative department for assistance.
Does your clinic do general checkups for babies?
Yes, we do – you are welcome to bring your baby to our postnatal department for an examination. The process: present at the admission/reception area at the clinic where you will open a file for your baby. You will then be directed to the relevant area at the facility depending on whether your baby is well or sick. Please bring the baby’s Road to Health card with you.
We are unable to assist with fertility treatments, however you're welcome to chat to one of our team members who may be able to refer you to another clinic.
Yes, we do provide this service at our clinic.
No. In the case where you need a gynaecologist, you will be referred to Helen Joseph Hospital.
Can rape victims receive counselling at the clinic?
Our clinic provides counselling services, as well as rape kits to those in need. Please contact our mental health clinic at 011 705 2438 to make an appointment.
Should you wish to contact someone for further support, access to the criminal justice system and counselling, contact the 24 hour Rape Crisis Line at 021 447 9762.
You can also contact Tears Foundation on their free helpline number: *134*7355# or 010 590 5920.
You can also email info@tears.co.za
Children
What services do you offer babies?
We have a paediatric clinic in our clinic. Children are assessed by a primary healthcare nurse. At each visit their vital signs and milestones (first smile, first words, first steps) are recorded. We also assess their height and weight to ensure that they are at the correct stage of development. Unwell babies will be treated by the clinician. We also do immunisations.
Do you offer immunisations at the clinic?
Yes. It is a priority that babies and children attending our clinic receive the appropriate immunisations to prevent specific childhood diseases. Developmental screening assessments are done to ensure that babies and children are developing according to their milestones.
Vaccination schedules vary depending on the country. Please provide us with the immunisations your child requires, and we will assist where possible. Remember to bring the immunisation card which details all the vaccinations your child would have received had he been at home with you.
Does your clinic do catch up immunisations? My child has not had many of the required vaccinations.
You are welcome to bring your child for immunisations. The process: bring along your Road to Health booklet and collect your child’s file (if they’ve visited us before) or open a new file (if you haven’t visited us before).
How much do immunisations cost?
The cost for an immunisation visit for your child is R50.
HIV
I’d like to get tested for HIV – how does this work?
If you are visiting us for the first time, you will need to open a file and visit our HIV counselling department. You will speak to a counsellor and be offered an HIV test if you do not know your HIV status (or if you are negative and have not tested for longer than six months). If you are newly diagnosed as HIV positive you will then be referred to a clinician for a full medical examination. Once you have been seen, you will follow the pharmacy queue to collect any medicines that have been prescribed.
I am HIV positive - do I have to live in the area to attend your clinic?
No. However, you are encouraged to attend the clinic closest to your home. We will initiate HIV positive patients on antiretroviral treatment if required, regardless of where you live.
I am taking ARVs. Can I come to Witkoppen instead of my previous clinic?
If you have moved and now live close to our clinic, you will need to get a transfer letter from the clinic you attended before, which will contain your medical history. If you are from another area, we will do basic tests and you will be able to come to the clinic until your condition is stable. After this, you will be transferred to the clinic nearest to you.
STIs
I think I have a sexually transmitted infection. Can I come to your clinic?
Yes. This is part of our comprehensive clinic services. STI treatment is part of our primary healthcare service programme.
TB
Yes - if we suspect you have TB, you will be seen by a clinician who will conduct the appropriate test to determine your results.
I am already on TB treatment, can I come to your clinic?
Yes, our centre does provide TB treatment to patients. If you do not live close to us, we will do basic tests and you can attend our clinic until your condition is stable. Following this, you will be transferred to the clinic nearest to you, if there is one available. If you have moved and now live close to our clinic, you will need to get a transfer letter from the clinic you attended before, which will have your blood results and tell us what treatment you are on. Please bring along all the medication that you are currently taking, as well as your green TB card. You do not need to make an appointment.
Dentist
Can I see a dentist at Witkoppen Clinic?
Yes. Dental services are on a first come first serve basis – Tuesdays and Fridays every week.
Will your dentist be able to assist with rotten teeth?
Yes – a dentist from the Department of Community Dentistry comes to Witkoppen on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please arrive at the clinic early, open a file and proceed to the dental waiting area. The dentist will examine you and discuss an appropriate treatment plan with you.
Does your dentist perform tooth implants?
Yes – please consult our dentist about this. They are available on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please arrive at the clinic early, open a file and proceed to the dental waiting area. From there, you will be seen by the dentist.
Mental Health
I am very depressed. Can you help me?
Yes – You can send us an email to info@witkoppen.co.za, or give us a call on 011 705 2438 to book an appointment for mental health consultations with our psychologist. The mental health clinic is open on every Thursday of the week. Alternatively, you can visit the SADAG website: https://www.sadag.org or call the 24 hour helpline on 0800 456 789.
I have a mental health disorder and am on chronic medication, can I come to Witkoppen clinic?
Yes - we can help with mental health disorders such as bipolar, depression and schizophrenia. The mental health clinic is open on a Thursday and is managed by a psychologist and medical doctor.
I need to see a psychiatrist that can prescribed an antipsychotic for my schizoaffective disorder.
We do not have a psychiatrist at Witkoppen. We suggest that you visit Helen Joseph Hospital – they are located on 1 Perth Road, Auckland Park. You can give them a call on 011 489 1011.
We do prescribe some types of medication. However, our clinician may suggest that you visit Helen Joseph Hospital – they are located on 1 Perth Road, Auckland Park. You can give them a call on 011 489 1011.
Medication
Can someone else collect my medicines for me?
Only if the person is duly authorised and provides proof of written authorisation and proof of identification to the pharmacist.
I am leaving Johannesburg; can I come and get my medicines? What time must I come?
You can collect your medicines during normal working hours. The earlier you get here, the sooner you will be seen. If there is a prescription for your medicines in your file, you will be able to go to the pharmacy to collect them immediately. If not, you will need to follow the queue to see a clinician.
CT Scans
Do you do CT scans at your clinic? I don’t have medical aid and am unable to afford private care.
We do not do CT scans. You require a referral letter from a doctor to be referred for a CT scan, which are done at Helen Joseph Hospital, 1 Perth Road, Auckland Park.
Employment / Volunteer
Do you have any jobs available?
All vacancies are advertised internally and or externally including on our website www.witkoppen.org.za. We do not have any available vacancies at the moment, but keep an eye on our website for any future opportunities.
I want to study in the medical field, can I get work experience or job shadow at the clinic?
Witkoppen has comprehensive volunteer and in-service training programmes. Applications can be submitted to the human resources department – info@witkoppen.co.za
Do you accept health students for practicals?
Yes, we do. We have a process where the student applies for placement – we can only accept a limited number of placements per year dependent on course criteria.
Can I come to Witkoppen Centre as a volunteer?
Yes, provided your skills can be utilised within the centre. Witkoppen has comprehensive volunteer and in-service training programmes. Volunteers are not paid. Applications can be submitted to the human resources department at info@witkoppen.co.za
Donations
I have some adult and children’s clothes to donate, would you be interested?
Yes – as long as the clothes are clean and in reasonably good condition. Any donations are appreciated; however, we do find that toys and children’s books are in high demand. Please note, toys must be clean, functional and have all their parts.