Gauteng Health MEC, Mr Hope Papo assured Pholosong Hospital management, board members as well as representatives from labour organisations that the department will provide resources to enable the facility to fulfill its function as a regional hospital.
During his visit to the hospital which services about one million people who reside in the catchment area, he acknowledged that the facility was upgraded from a district to a regional hospital but resources to enable it to operate on that level have not been provided.
“In the last two years, the Department has been overwhelmed with debt and that made it difficult for resources to be pumped into facilities with the aim of providing quality healthcare. This year, we are looking at challenges faced and coming up with solutions,” he said.
He noted that for Pholosong Hospital to function fully, the priority was the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer.
“The recruitment process is in progress and at the end of next month, there should be a clear indication on who the CEO will be. We are also considering the motivation for other staff members especially specialist doctors and nurses that have been submitted. Depending on the availability of funds, those vacancies will also be filled speedily,” he said.
Other areas that the hospital will be supported on to ensure that it operated effectively and efficiently are: infrastructure improvement; provision of equipment; linen and medication. MEC Papo visited different sections of the hospital, interacted with both staff and patients.
“Through these interactions, I listened to people who provide the service offering advice on how the delivery of healthcare can be improved. Patients also had an opportunity to share their joys and frustrations,” he said.
MEC also visited KwaThema Main Clinic where he also interacted with clinic managers, other staff members and patients.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
