Jabulani Hospital 40% empty, short of 166 staff
New hospital is grossly under-utilised
With the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital’s Trauma Unit expected to close on June 1, the Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital (Zola-Jabulani Clinic) in Soweto, is short of 166 staff and about 40% of its beds are empty on average.
“During the renovations, arrangements have been made with nearby community health centres and the Bheki Mlangeni Hospital to provide the services in the sites,” the chief executive officer (CEO) of Bara Dr Sandile Mfenyana, said earlier this week.
But, in a written reply to Democratic Alliances (DA) Gauteng Health Shadow Jack Bloom’s questions in the Gauteng Legislature, Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu said, “Only 20% of beds at the gynaecology department are used, 29% at paediatrics and 31% at maternity.
“The hospital is short of 110 nurses, 49 support and administrative staff, and six doctors.”
Bloom said, “I am disappointed that this new hospital is grossly under-utilised, failing to take the strain off the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
“The hospital was opened with great fanfare in May last year, but staff shortages need to be filled urgently in order to provide a proper service to patients in Soweto.
