SchemeBook / Public healthcare
Using public healthcare
A practical route through clinics, referrals, hospital care and follow-up. Confirm local hours, documents and fees with the facility or provincial health department.
Where to begin
For a non-emergency concern, ask a local primary healthcare clinic or community health centre about assessment. Seek urgent care for an emergency; do not delay because you lack a referral. The national referral policy describes how care may move to a more specialised facility and return closer to home for follow-up.
Prepare for a visit
- Confirm the location, hours and service with the facility.
- Take identification if available, previous clinic card or folder number, appointment or referral letter, current medicines and relevant results. Ask what the facility requires.
- Explain your symptoms, treatment so far and any difficulty continuing care.
- Before leaving, ask when and where to attend next and whether you need a written referral or follow-up note.
Moving from private care
Ask your clinician for a concise clinical summary, medicine list and relevant investigations. Contact the receiving public facility about its intake process. A private prescription or scheme authorisation does not establish what the public facility can supply.
Questions to ask
- Who is responsible for my next appointment?
- Do I need a referral, and who sends it?
- How will I receive results and medicine changes?
- Could a fee apply in my circumstances, and where can I obtain the current policy?
Sources and scope
National Department of Health referral policy · Western Cape access guidance (provincial example). This guide cannot confirm a facility’s current capacity or individual eligibility.