Operations continue at Tembisa hospital after second fire in less than a week

The mood outside of the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital was surprisingly calm on Wednesday following a second blaze at the facility in just a few days.

There was no major commotion or panic among staff or patients as emergency personnel moved to control the fire before it could spread and cause significant damage.

Outpatient Department closed

The affected area, confirmed to be the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD), remained closed off, and access to the hospital was tightly controlled.

Addressing the media, Gauteng Department of Health’s head of communication Motalatale Modiba said the affected area is adjacent to the accident and emergency unit which burned on Saturday evening.

“But [the newly burnt area] was not an area that was being used. The area had been cordoned off from when we had the first incident, and the electricity supply to the area had been cut off from the first incident,” Modiba.

“So, the investigations obviously are ongoing in the particular case.”

ALSO READ: Health MEC says Tembisa Hospital still operational after fire, confirms no injuries [PICS]

Hospital operations continue in limited capacity

Those arriving to visit loved ones were still being permitted entry during regular visiting hours. A hospital representative indicated that the situation was under control and that more information would be shared later. 

While staff remained tight-lipped, the controlled movements and visible organisation around the facility suggest that internal systems have been activated to manage the disruption.

Hospital unusually quiet

The hospital is a busy one under normal circumstances, but grew unusually quiet, except for the expected increase in foot traffic between 2pm and 4pm when visitors came to check on family members.

Despite the calm scene, there’s was lingering sense of unease in the air, with many hoping for answers and reassurances.

ALSO READ: Patients evacuated as fire breaks out at Tembisa Hospital’s emergency unit (VIDEO)

False reports debunked

Modiba expressed concern about false reports suggesting that patients were being turned away and that taxis were blocking access to the hospital.

“We are worried about people who are spreading fake news that patients are being turned away from the hospital and taxis have blocked the road,” said Modiba.

“As anyone can see, the hospital is not operating on a normal scale and we have advised patients to seek help at other local hospitals. Should there be an emergency, that patient will be assisted here.”

Modiba stressed that no one is being denied medical care and that operations, although disrupted, continue in a limited capacity.

“Taxis are not blocking the road. They are here working normally as they do every day,” he added.

“Gate 4 remains operational and is being used to receive those who are here to check on their loved ones or who arrive in emergency situations.”

NOW READ: Concern raised after it’s revealed that no Gauteng hospitals comply with health and safety legislation