By Eleanor Douglas-Meyers
Kariega is about to experience a new chapter in healthcare with the opening of Mindful Medicine, a GP-led medical centre that blends innovation, collaboration, and compassion under one roof.
For founder Dr. Ciara Jackson, the decision to create the facility was deeply personal. She admits she never truly felt at home in the medical spaces she worked in before. “There was too much conflict, too many restrictions, and often a culture of just pushing patients through without addressing deeper issues. Opening Mindful Medicine was my leap of faith. To create the kind of space I would want to go to as a patient, the place I’d be excited to work in, and a place I’d proudly send my loved ones to.”
A Launch Rooted in Community
The new Mosel facility was officially launched on Heritage Day, with an elegant event that brought together medical professionals, sponsors, and supporters. It was also a family moment, with Dr Jackson’s husband, young son, mother, and grandparents proudly cheering her on.
True to the vision behind the practice, the launch reflected the community at every turn. From décor to catering, she partnered with local vendors to create a warm, classy event that showcased not just the new venue but also the collaborative spirit she hopes will define Mindful Medicine.
This new space follows the practice’s first offices in Thomas Gamble. It is an area Dr. Jackson knows well, having grown up there. Thomas Gamble is often underserviced, and she was intentional about starting her work there as a way to give back to the community that shaped her.
A Vision for Person-Centred Care
Mindful Medicine is built on the belief that healthcare should be mindful, modern, and collaborative. It is not just about treating illness, but about supporting quality of life through mental health services, prevention strategies, and lifestyle support.
One of the centre’s most important roles will be in bridging gaps that currently exist in Kariega. There are no psychiatrists in town, and mental health support is limited. To address this, Mindful Medicine has brought in Dr. Lee-Ann Zealand, a GP with strong psychiatry experience, to lead its mental health consults. The facility will also provide iron infusions, medical weight management programmes, and access to allied professionals like dietitians, psychometrists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
Modern, Accessible, Human
Accessibility and innovation are central to the new premises. The centre is wheelchair-friendly, equipped with digital records, telemedicine readiness, and generator backup to ensure seamless patient care. There are also plans to introduce an InBody scan for patients needing detailed body-composition tracking.
But what truly sets Mindful Medicine apart is culture. “Patients aren’t rushed or treated like files. They are seen as people with stories,” Dr. Jackson explains. “Our team works with warmth, professionalism, and independence, not just by following checklists.”
A Heart for Service
It is clear that service is in Dr. Jackson’s DNA. As a child, she often tagged along with her grandparents while they volunteered for Meals on Wheels. By 14, she was already involved with Uitenhage’s Rotary and town councils, and later continued her commitment to service at Stellenbosch University through Maties Gemeenskapsdiens. That lifelong heart for community and charity now finds new expression in her medical practice.
Serving Kariega and Beyond
For Kariega residents, the facility means less travel to Port Elizabeth for specialised services, and more care options closer to home. For elderly patients, simple design choices like a ramp instead of stairs make a world of difference. For working families, digital booking and WhatsApp communication provide flexibility.
Dr. Jackson also hopes the project will reframe the role of the GP in the Nelson Mandela Bay medical landscape. “We are no longer just paper-pushers or gatekeepers. We need to be connectors who link patients with the right mix of services. Mindful Medicine is a small step toward reimagining that role locally.”
Looking Ahead
The centre will begin with a soft opening in mid-October, running limited consultations while systems and staff are trained. Over time, the team plans to grow into a full-day, multi-disciplinary hub, expand the mental health wing, and explore community outreach initiatives.
For Dr. Jackson, the journey is as much personal as professional. “It is the first time I feel I am working in a space that reflects my values. Our culture is modern, warm, and human. I want patients to walk in and immediately feel: this is different.”
Mindful Medicine may be a new name in Kariega, but if its vision holds true, it could become a blueprint for healthcare in towns across South Africa. Mindful, modern, and deeply human.
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