In an effort to ensure that the new Natalspruit Hospital fully equipped when it is opened, the Gauteng Department of Health is finalising the procurement and installing of medical equipment.
Gauteng Health MEC, Mr Hope Papo says, “As at the end of April 2013, 121 951 pieces of equipment have been approved to be ordered. Of these, 83 055 have been processed, 1638 have been delivered to the hospital and we are still to order 37 258.”
The items that still need to be ordered are bio-medical, radiology equipment and furniture. Only one Bucky room for radiology will be transferred to the new hospital.
“We expect that all equipment will be in place when the hospital site is fully handed over to the department by the contractor,” said MEC Papo adding that unless something unforeseen happens, the department plans to open doors to patients at the new hospital in September 2013.
The new 771 bed hospital which will replace the existing Natalspruit hospital will also have a gateway clinic and a crèche.
The hospital with a contract value of R1.4 billion and is under construction in Voslorus. Due to the dolomitic conditions in Katlehong, a safer site was identified in Voslorus. The estimated cost for equipment is R155 million.
The services to be offered at the new hospital include: Accident, Emergency and Trauma unit; Adult ICU and High Care; Paediatric ICU and High Care; Psychiatric ward, TB ward; Gynae and maternity services as well as a Burns unit.
The MEC also emphasised that it is still important for members of the community to visit local clinics and be referred to hospitals when necessary to avoid overcrowding. The system of referral will allow the hospital to function better.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
