Generating chaos
With the number of power outages in Edenvale increasing, patients at the care centre who rely on oxygen for survival are placed at risk.
The lives of patients at the Edenvale Care Centre Hospice are at risk.
This follows the loss of the centre’s generator in October.
According to Sister Leigh, the generator had been used only nine times since it was installed in 2012.
“I have kept a detailed log book of when it was used,” she said.
With the number of power outages in Edenvale increasing, patients at the care centre who rely on oxygen for survival are placed at risk.
“We waited two years for the generator and when it arrived, it changed our lives,” said Sister Leigh.
When the generator was collected, the entire base was filled with oil.
After two months and countless attempts to contact the repairmen, Sister Leigh was told the alternator on the engine was beyond repair.
“I was told the repairs would cost nearly R16 000 and those are funds we simply do not have,” said Sister Leigh.
“The generator is vital for running the centre. Without it, we run the risk of losing patients who rely on oxygen. This is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” she said.
The Edenvale Care Centre Hospice treats a large disease profile including patients who are terminally ill with cancer.
“We receive patients from eight provincial hospitals,” said Sister Leigh.
Without electricity, staff at the centre are unable to cook specialised meals for the patients and they are unable to wash bedding for the centre.
“More often than not, we have at least one patient who requires oxygen,” said Sister Leigh.
Anyone who is able to assist the Edenvale Care Centre in any way can phone 011 454-5358.
