Broken toilets at Charlotte Maxeke hospital

Filthy and broken toilets have now added to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital’s woes.

The hospital, which is based in Parktown, has been receiving negative public attention regarding its cleanliness.

Patients and visitors at the hospital have expressed disgust at the state of toilets in the facility, saying they are either filthy or blocked. DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom, said that that he has been receiving complaints about the shocking toilet conditions and highlighted that dirty and broken toilets are causing major distress for patients at the hospital.

“Conditions at this leading hospital are declining, as shown by the latest National Health Department survey where it scored only 68 per cent on six core standards, including cleanliness, down from 70 per cent previously,” said Bloom.

Bloom said he has written to the hospital CEO Gladys Bogoshe to attend to the appalling situation as soon as possible.

Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson, Steve Mabona said management is aware of the broken toilets.

“Of the 1 200 toilets in the facility, 5 per cent have been reported through the call centre. Some of the broken parts like flush masters and cracked seats will be repaired this week, including some pipes which were stolen,” said Mabona.

In May, a Victory Park resident, Ellen Levy said she witnessed cockroaches scurrying around the floor at the hospital.

However, Mabona stated that the cleaning directorate has reinforced internal controls by doing two hourly checks.

“We noted that the fumigation chemicals were no longer effective and a new pest controller has been appointed starting from 1 July,” he said.