The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed a fire broke out at Helen Joseph Hospital on 6 September. The fire started at about 5am in the cleaner’s room on the first floor of the administration block. The fire department was called and responded, and contained the fire before any severe damage could be done.
Both DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom and Department of Health Spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that no patient or employee was affected; though Bloom voiced concern they may not be so lucky next time. Bloom said, “I am concerned by the fire at the Helen Joseph Hospital in west Johannesburg which raises questions about fire prevention at hospitals in Gauteng. It appears that a storeroom went up in flames, but has been brought under control by firefighters. This follows the fire in May this year at the Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg.”
While lockers and part of the ceiling were damaged, the cause of the fire is unknown. Mabona commented, “The fire department has launched an investigation to determine the cause.” Mabona added, “It is important to note that, in an effort to prevent fire at our facilities, necessary assessments are conducted on a continuous basis with the fire department. Our facilities have adequate fire extinguishers. It is encouraging to note that, this unfortunate incident did not hamper any service delivery.”
However, Bloom said that many hospital buildings are sorely in need of maintenance and repair that would assist in fire prevention. Bloom added further that a fire inspection audit should be done at all Gauteng hospitals to ensure that fire controls are adequate.
