Klebsiella Pneumonia Outbreak confirmed at Thelle Mogoerane hospital
The Gauteng Department of Health confirms Klebsiella Pneumonia Outbreak at the Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Vosloorus.
This morning, the Head of Department Professor Mkhululi Lukhele paid a visit to the hospital to assess the situation following the outbreak and a recent protest by employees of the facility.
During the visit, Professor Lukhele confirmed that the hospital’s neonatal unit identified seven cases of Klebsiella Pneumonia outbreak in July 2018, which sadly resulted in deaths of two babies.
And contrary to what has been reported in the media, there were five babies that were being treated and out of the five, one of the baby’s results was negative.
Samples were taken and have been sent to the laboratory to establish the source of the outbreak. The hospital has since taken proactive measures by strengthening Infection Prevention and Control and closely monitoring the unit.
"All babies that were admitted in the ward were screened to prevent further infections. Furthermore, District Specialist and Head Office were called in for support. The Department is planning to form a provincial task team led by neonatologist to continuously look at the measures to prevent possible future infections in all our facilities,” said Professor Lukhele.
“Thelle Mogoerane Hospital like many other health facilities in the province is faced with the challenge of ever increasing demand for services. The 61-bedded neonatal unit often admits close to 90 patients. Whilst the management is looking at improving the hospital infrastructure it is doing its utmost best to serve patients with honour and dignity.
“Patient care and delivery of quality health care service remain our key priority, to this end, we are working closely with all stakeholders in ensuring that this facility indeed serve the community", added the HOD.
"All complaints and concerns brought to us are thoroughly followed through. I have also noted the allegations levelled against some of the facility management team. I would like to assure the workers and members of the public that the management team will be subjected to the Department’s labour policies and procedures. No stone will be left unturned in our investigations,” said Prof Lukhele.
Enquiries:
Lesemang Matuka:
Cell: 072 025 3605
E-mail: mediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za
