New Natalspruit Hospital may only open next year
The long-delayed New Natalspruit Hospital may only open as late as next year, contradicting a promise by Gauteng Premier David Makhura in his State of the Province address on June 27 that it would be open within 100 days.
ALBERTON – The information was given on July 24 by Finance MEC Barbara Creecy, acting in place of Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu.
According to Creecy, she could give no specific date, but it would be within 180 days.
She said that arrangements for the transfer of staff from the old Natalspruit Hospital were at an advanced stage, and weekly meetings were held to track progress.
“It is very disappointing that the date for opening this hospital keeps receding. Former Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said in February this year that it would open in July, but we are now told it will be within six months, which could extend to next year,” Jack Bloom, MPL and the DA Gauteng Health Spokesperson said.
“The hospital is more than five years overdue. I hope the opening will not be delayed further as the old hospital is crumbling and needs to be closed as soon as possible, particularly as it is on dolomitic land that could collapse at any time,” Jack Bloom added.
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