Newborns at risk in Klerksdorp, DA warns

The DA in the North West wants the health MEC to urgently come to the aid of newborn babies at Klerksdorp Hospital as the heating system is not functioning properly.

Democratic Alliance (DA) provincial spokesperson on health Gavin Edwards said that an oversight visit to the hospital revealed that the heat generated by the current system was not conducive to regulating the body temperatures of those patients who were vulnerable.

He said a full functioning heating system was crucial, especially to safeguard premature babies and newborns from extreme cold weather.

Edwards said it was unacceptable that staff members were taking it upon themselves to bring blankets to ensure the babies were kept warm.

“In his State of the Province address Premier Job Mokgoro stated that three hospitals have been earmarked to receive new boilers to improve temperature regulation.

“But the Klerksdorp Hospital is not listed among them.”

The department has yet to comment.

– OFM News

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