The Gauteng Health Department is concerned by pictures that have gone viral on social media depicting “the state of Kalafong Hospital”.
The pictures were posted on twitter by one ‘PI Forensic’ on Thursday (18 June 2015) showing blocked sinks, linen strewn in what appears to be a toilet and a general state of filthiness in a room which is believed to be near a ward at this hospital.
On receipt of the pictures the Department forwarded them to the Hospital CEO with firm instructions to investigate and provide answers.
Gauteng Health MEC, Ms Qedani Mahlangu, has on a number of occasions encouraged management to conduct walkabouts in all areas of hospitals so as to know what is happening in each corner and to prevent such occurrences.
Furthermore; the department promotes “a microbaly safe environment in all health care facilities” as part of its Infection Control Policy. The goals of the Policy are to encourage and improve effective prevention and management of hospital acquired infections for both the public and staff as well as to prevent and minimise environmental hazards associated with microbes for in and out patients, health care workers and visitors of health care institutions.
While the unit in question is to undergo refurbishments, the neglect of linen and allowing such unhealthy environments in a health facility are a cause for serious concern.
Management and healthcare workers have a common law duty of care; to take all reasonable steps to safeguard patients, staff and the general public from infection. The department is awaiting a full report and measures to be taken to correct the situation.
For more information please contact:
Steve Mabona
Cell: 072 574 3860
For media enquiries:
E-mail: mediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za
