MEC justifies hospital shake-up

The KZN Health MEC, Sibongiseni Dhlomo again justified the rationalisation of health services in Newcastle.

Speaking at a breakfast function held for the ‘veterans’ of public service held at Blackrock Casino this morning, Dhlomo explained why the decision had been made to change the day to day functions of the Newcastle Provincial Hospital and Madadeni Provincial Hospital.

“The amalgamation of facilities is not happening in Amajuba district alone,” said Dhlomo. “This is a nationwide policy, as we do not have enough doctors to spread around within the facilities.”

He further went on to explain the reasoning behind stationing of certain specialists at facilities that would cater for a specific type of patient.

“With enough time, people will accept it,” he said. “They will know that if you have a broken bone, you must go to this hospital.”

He  emphasised that he had again made it clear that patients needed to be stabilised first if they arrive at Newcastle Hospital, thereafter transport to Madadeni will be arranged by the hospital.

“I have again addressed the staff in this regard,” he said. “We have split the services in order to provide a better quality service to patients, instead of having the doctors spread all over the place, and the patients then receiving poor service.”

He also reassured guests and media that there were still certain individuals and medical professionals at both facilities to help with patients that they are not dedicated to helping.

“If you are in labour and arrive at Madadeni Hospital, there are still nurses that will be able to deliver your baby. The same as at Newcastle, there are staff on hand to stabilise patients, and then refer them to the proper facility in Madadeni,” he concluded.

Throughout his speech regarding the rationalisation, Dhlomo made it clear that he was simply implementing policies that had been put in place long before he became MEC.

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