MPL describes hospital conditions as shocking

Edenvale General Hospital has reassured the community that the hospital works actively on a daily basis to improve the conditions at the hospital.

This is after the DA issued a statement regarding patients who sleep on the floor at the casualty section of the hospital because there are not enough beds in the wards.

Mrs Fazila Smith (48) said she was admitted to the hospital and slept on the floor for five days.

“I have to commend the hospital staff for all the hard work they do, because they attended to us and made sure we were fed and received our medication. Sadly, their working conditions are unacceptable but they don’t let that deter them from doing their job to the best of their abilities,” said Mrs Smith.

She said she was given a bed soon after she complained to Jack Bloom, the DA’s MPL and Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health.

MPL Bloom described the situation at the hospital as a shocking scene that has not improved over the years, despite visits by various senior health officials.

“The hospital has only 230 beds. Urgent measures should be taken to alleviate the overcrowding at this hospital,” said Mr Bloom.

Responding to an inquiry sent by the NEWS, Edenvale Hospital’s chief executive officer, Dr Norman Patrick Kernes, said the hospital has a chronic pressure on active beds, and the hospital works actively and daily on this matter.

“As beds become vacant, these ‘short stay patients’ are moved to the ward, and or decanted to an appropriate facility matching the level of care required. Prof’s Wing and Charlotte Maxeke Hospital assist daily, either personally or via the four consultants that visit Internal Medicine Daily, to reduce these numbers,” said Dr Kernes.

Dr Kernes said the Clinical Manager, Dr D Maluleke, also assists and co-ordinates this daily.

“Edenvale General Hospital works actively to address any overflow and decants daily,”said Dr Kernes.