Doctors and nurses had to move 14 patients out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital early this morning when the power failed and the generator failed to kick in.
This highlights yet again the continuing incompetencies of the Infrastructure Development Department which is responsible for maintenance at the hospital.
According to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Gauteng Shadow for Health Jack Bloom‚ the power failed at about 5.30am and medical staff rushed patients who needed ventilation to other parts of the hospital that had power.
“Without their intervention the patients would have died.
“Technicians are busy with the generator but power has still not been restored.”
“Other parts of the hospital are still in darkness.
“I am appalled that yet again there has been a generator failure at this hospital.
“Generators must at least be tested once a week, to check if there are any faults.
“There has to be accountability and firm steps taken to ensure that this never happens again,” said Bloom.
