Health services in the Western Cape could continue normally today. This morning at 09:00, 144 out of 28 067 employees were reported on strike. That accounts for a 0.5 percent strike statistic.
There was no need to contract agency staff. Protesters were picketing at Groote Schuur and Tygerberg hospitals, but these activities had no impact on the normal hospital routines.
Groote Schuur hospital was the worst affected with 77 employees on strike out of approximately 3 500. These were mostly in the kitchen, affecting food services. The hospital implemented contingency plans which included making use of volunteers and rotating staff to assist in the kitchen.
At Tygerberg, 33 employees went on strike. It follows that the balance of 34 strikers were at health facilities throughout the province. There was no impact on service delivery.
Should the strike continue on Monday, the Western Cape Department of Health's services will function in line with available staff. Every effort will be made to maintain a normal level of service.
Media enquiries:
Hélène Rossouw
Tel: 021 483 4426
Cell: 082 771 8834
Fax: 021 483 4143
E-mail: herossou@pgwc.gov.za
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
