A R5 million renovation at Mitchells Plain Hospital is under way to provide extra oxygen facilities and increase bed capacity for Covid-19 patients, thanks to the efforts of disaster relief organisation, Gift of the Givers Foundation.

As part of the project, an entire wing of the hospital, the Carnation Ward, is being converted into a dedicated Covid-19 oxygen facility and will accommodate more beds.

"Their support will allow the hospital to treat more Covid-19 patients once the ward is operational", Department of Health spokesperson Monique Johnstone said.

According to the organisation, it has helped to erect 36 triage tents at various hospitals and has delivered protective materials to 160 health facilities.

It also conducts mobile tests and has carried out more than 15 000 Covid-19 tests at hospitals, drive-through sites and other facilities.