Leratong Hospital, a government hospital in Gauteng’s Mogale City, has shut down its theatre facilities until the end of April.
This is because the health facility’s theatre is now undergoing major renovations.
The department recently announced the start of the renovations, and Sunday World understands that 400 patients have been sent to other hospitals.
Uninterrupted patient care
It department stated that they took action to ensure that patients continue to receive medical care.
According to the department, they are pushing for an acceleration of all processes. This to ensure that any issues obstructing the proper running of these theatres are resolved.
“We wish to apologise to the public for the inconvenience caused in this regard. However, the department has since put measures in place. This to ensure that there is continuity of proper healthcare services for the hospital’s theatre patients.
“Hence, patients are transferred to Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, Carletonville Hospital, and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital,” said the department.
The acting head of communication, Khutso Rabothata, said all the families of the patients did not incur any financial losses as a result of the move.
Logistics costs covered by the hospital
“All costs associated with the transfers were covered by the hospital,” said Rabothatha.
Rabothata went on to say they have not received any complaints from families or patients.
“There were no formal or informal complaints lodged by the families of the patients. This is supported by the reports from the Quality Assurance department and from the wards.”
Meanwhile, the Health and Allied Workers Indaba Trade Union (Haitu), dismissed that the issue is new at the institution.
“This is a dire situation because we have been informed that this is an old situation. As in 2014, the same scenario took place. The cooling system was overheating to almost 30 degrees celsius,” said Lerato Mthunzi, secretary of Haitu.
Mthunzi said management of the institution is downplaying the situation.
“These patients that were moved are not only surgical patients. Some are pregnant, and they were there for a cesarian birth,” Mthunzi added.
Ceiling fell in a previous incident
“I have been informed that at some point the ceiling fell inside a theatre and it was discovered that it is made out of asbestos. We know that is not good for anyone’s health.”
In November, the department confirmed that a contractor was appointed. He is on site to replace the ceiling at Leratong Hospital’s theatre complex.
“A portion of the ceiling in the reception area unexpectedly collapsed on Monday, 06 November 2023 in the afternoon. This prompted the facility to immediately implement contingency measures to ensure uninterrupted patient care,” said Motalatale Modiba. He is spokesperson for Gauteng health department at the time.
“Fortunately, there were no injuries sustained during the incident except for a service provider who sustained minor scratches on the back. The staff members who were on duty were sent for medical incidental surveillance and counselling. They are all doing well.”
