Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development noted with concern the media reports claiming that paramedics with critically ill patients are being turned away from public hospitals because of insufficient beds and shortage of staff. The reports further claim that public hospitals in the province are not ready for 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The department would like to state that these reports are misleading and are causing unnecessary panic.
In June this year, the department launched operation Kuyasheshwa La aimed at stabilising, improving and sustaining the delivery of quality health service in the province. One of the successes of this campaign is the decrease of weekly diversion of ambulances from facility to facility due to the shortage of beds from 88 to 11.
Launching this campaign, MEC Qedani Mahlangu said no patient shall be turned away from a facility without having been stabilised.
“Patients must not be moved from one institution to another without being helped. Each patient presenting at a health facility will be properly assessed, and if necessary, referred in the prescribed manner to an appropriate institution. Emergency treatment must always be given even if the patient is not from the designated patient catchment area in accordance with the departmental referral system,” she said.
The community is there requested to report institutions that choose to ignore this directive so that appropriate action is taken. In ensuring the delivery of quality health care in the province’s health facilities, this operation amongst other things ensures that equipment is available, staff required is appointed, and that facilities are generally clean and well maintained.
To increase the number of beds, the department is considering the opening of Hillbrow, Discoverers and Kempton Park hospitals. In October 2009, the department handed over 115 ambulances and 15 response vehicles to municipalities.
The department would like to reiterate that health facilities are being prepared to handle any situation during the 2010 FIFA World Cup next year and beyond. In preparation, the accident and emergency departments at the central and regional hospitals are currently being made ready to provide the required services. Doctors completing their masters in emergency medicine are supporting preparations for 2010 readiness, and beyond.
For more information contact:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
7 December 2009
