This is a design fault that has contributed to overcrowding in these departments.
This fact was revealed in a written reply by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom’s questions.
Whereas the old hospital had 74 maternity beds and 38 antenatal beds, the new hospital has 68 beds in maternity and 30 antenatal beds.
According to Mahlangu, says Bloom, overcrowding is more severe, because “there is an increased patient load and there are fewer beds than there were in the old hospital.
“This was identified prior to the relocation, hence management reconfigured wards according to various units’ requirements. The hospital structure does not allow further expansion.”
According to Boom, it is a great pity that patients have to suffer because of bad planning when it comes to the building of the new hospital.
“This makes it all the more important that maternity patients are given quality care at the two referral district hospitals, namely Heidelberg Hospital and the Bertha Gxowa Hospital in Germiston, and are referred to Natalspruit only when necessary.”
“Clinics should also be upgraded and have extended hours so that the referral system can work properly in ensuring that patients are treated at the appropriate level of care,” says Bloom. – @IschkeBoksburg
