The Gauteng department of health has made significant progress in addressing issues faced by the dilapidated Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH).
This comes after an open letter that was written by the hospital’s paeditrician Dr Tim de Maayer. The letter was addressed to the Gaauteng health department. In it De Maayer highlighted injustices and deteriorating services at the facility in 2022.
De Maayer was subsequently blocked from accessing the premises while sick children desperately needed healthcare.
Ombudsman’s recommendations being implemented
The MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said her department was implementing the recommendations in the Health Ombud’s report.
She was responding to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The ombud report’s nine recommendations have been finalised. And significant progress has been made in implementing an additional 10, she said.
“A project manager has been appointed. And steering committees have been established to fast-track the implementation of the Health Ombud’s recommendations,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
“The department is committed to implementing the recommendations set out in the Health Ombud report to ensure that Rahima Moosa Hospital operates at its highest standards and delivers quality healthcare services to the community it serves,” stated Nkomo-Ralehoko.
According to the MEC, the department has prioritised the infrastructure refurbishment. This is to improve the overall conditions at the institution. To also create a safe and conducive environment for patients and staff.
Committees appointed, infrastructure being refurbished
“Several maintenance projects have been completed, including addressing the sewerage line issues. Waterproofing the hospital roofs to reduce leakages and repairing hot water leaks. Also servicing key infrastructure and generators. Various wards and areas have also been renovated and painting. These include the admissions area and paediatric OPD rooms.”
