JOHANNESBURG – More than 30 patients every week are now being sent for breast scans at the Helen Joseph and Chris Hani Baragwanath hospitals, which are battling to cope with the extra numbers.
I visited the hospital yesterday after receiving complaints, but staff were reluctant to speak without permission from hospital CEO Gladys Bogoshi. She was in a meeting when I went to her office, so I emailed questions to her which has so far remained unanswered.
I have established from other sources that the mammography machine in Block 3 of the hospital was damaged by a leaking roof, and needs to be replaced.
There is a proposal that a new machine be placed in Block 5, but it seems that it will not be purchased for some time.
Meanwhile, patients who need to be tested for breast cancer are inconvenienced by extra travel, and delays will build up the longer the Charlotte Maxeke machine is out of action.
How can it happen that yet another vital machine breaks down at this flagship hospital?
I warned last year about the leaking ceilings which were damaging equipment. Lifts are also broken, and many toilets are a disgrace.
This hospital needs a major overhaul of facilities and equipment.
Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health
