Langebaan Day Hospital

26/02/2026

We are very excited to announce that The Daily Coffee Cafe Langebaan will be serving up some delicious light meals right out of Langebaan Day Hospital.

Make sure to pop in soon!

25/02/2026

🧠 MENINGITIS AWARENESS – IMPORTANT INFO FOR PARENTS 🧠
Langebaan Day Hospital wants to keep our community safe and informed. A confirmed case of meningitis has been reported in Durbanville, and it’s important for parents and caregivers to know the signs, symptoms, and how to help prevent the spread.

23/02/2026

If you’ve ever imagined practicing medicine in a setting that offers both professional growth and an exceptional lifestyle, this is your sign. Discover why the West Coast and Langebaan, in particular, is becoming an exciting destination for doctors and healthcare professionals ready for something more.

19/02/2026

🌙 Ramadan Kareem from Langebaan Day Hospital
To all our patients, colleagues, and community members observing Ramadan, we wish you a blessed and peaceful month filled with reflection, compassion, and togetherness. May this sacred time bring spiritual renewal, strength, and good health to you and your loved ones. As you gather with family and friends in celebration, may your fasts be easy and your prayers answered.

🌟With warm wishes,
Langebaan Day Hospital

18/02/2026

🌿 Your Health Is Your Greatest Investment
Good nutrition and regular exercise are two of the most powerful tools to prevent chronic disease, boost energy, and improve overall wellbeing.
At Langebaan Day Hospital, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment.

17/02/2026

Langebaan community, please take note 🙌

🦠 Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD): What Parents Should Know

We are once again seeing cases of HFMD in our area.
Last year there was a significant outbreak, and many parents also became ill after catching it from their children.

HFMD is common, highly contagious, and although usually mild, it can be uncomfortable for children and worrying for parents.

👶 What is HFMD?

Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease is a viral illness that mostly affects babies and children under 5, but older children and adults can also get it.

It is caused by:

* Coxsackieviruses (most common cause)
* Enteroviruses (also associated with outbreaks)

⚠️ Important note:
HFMD is NOT the same as “foot-and-mouth disease” seen in animals (cattle, sheep, pigs).
They are caused by different viruses and are not related. Humans don’t get the animal disease, and animals don’t get HFMD.

🤒 Signs & Symptoms

HFMD usually starts with:

* Fever
* Poor appetite
* Feeling generally unwell (malaise)
* Sore throat

After 1–2 days:
👄 Painful mouth sores develop

* Start as red spots → blister → ulcers
* Often at the back of the mouth

🖐️🦶 Skin rash appears within 1–2 days

* Flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters
* Common on palms and soles
* Can also appear on knees, elbows, buttocks or ge***al area

💧 Dehydration risk:
Children may refuse fluids due to painful mouth sores, increasing the risk of dehydration.

🦠 How does HFMD spread?

The virus is found in:

* Nose and throat secretions (saliva, nasal mucus)
* Fluid from blisters
* Stool (nappies!)

HFMD spreads through:

* Close personal contact
* Coughing or sneezing
* Contact with contaminated surfaces
* Touching eyes, nose or mouth after contact with infected surfaces

📅 Contagious period:
Children are most contagious in the first week, but can still spread the virus for days or weeks after symptoms improve.
Some adults may carry the virus without symptoms and still spread it.

🏠 Stay home while sick.
Children should not return to crèche or school while actively unwell.

🐶 Not spread by pets or animals.

🩺 Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose HFMD based on:

* The child’s age
* Symptoms
* Typical appearance of the rash and mouth sores

In severe or unclear cases, throat or stool samples may be sent for testing.

⚠️ Possible Complications (uncommon but important)

Most children recover fully, but complications can include:

* Dehydration
* Aseptic (viral) meningitis – rare
* Encephalitis (brain inflammation) – very rare
* Temporary fingernail or toenail loss (may occur weeks later)

💊 Treatment (Supportive Care)

There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD.

Treatment focuses on comfort:

* Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen for fever and pain
* Mouth sprays or rinses to numb mouth pain
* Encourage frequent small sips of fluids
* Cold foods (yoghurt, ice lollies) may be easier to tolerate

🏥 If a child cannot drink enough due to pain, hospital admission for IV fluids may be necessary.

🧼 Prevention

There is no vaccine for HFMD.

Reduce spread by:
✔️ Frequent handwashing
✔️ Cleaning toys and surfaces
✔️ Avoiding sharing cups, cutlery, or towels
✔️ Avoiding kissing and close contact when someone is sick
✔️ Keeping sick children at home

🚨 When to contact your doctor

* If your child is not drinking
* Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, fewer wet nappies)
* Persistent fever
* Severe pain
* Child appears unusually sleepy or unwell
* You are worried (parent instinct matters!)

🤍 Final reassurance
HFMD looks dramatic, spreads easily, and can make children miserable — but most children recover well with supportive care and rest.
Good hygiene and hydration are your biggest tools.

Dr Willem Smit
Paediatrician

16/02/2026

Empowering women’s health with precision, care, and surgical excellence. 🌸
Operate with confidence at a facility designed for specialists.

12/02/2026

Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day — make sure you’re giving it the care it deserves.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, but the good news is that many risk factors are preventable and manageable.

This Health Lifestyle Awareness Month, make your heart a priority.
Book your screening. Encourage a loved one to do the same.

09/02/2026

Expand Your Practice on the West Coast — Operate at Langebaan Day Hospital

06/02/2026

👂👃👄 Breathe Better. Hear Clearer. Live Better.
Modern ENT care - right here on the West Coast.

04/02/2026

Early Detection Saves Lives 🎗

02/02/2026

Prevention is powerful. Speak to your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine today.