The residents of Germiston in Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas today welcomed the opening of a new and modern hospital, by Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane.
Formerly known as Germiston Hospital, the facility was built at a cost of R498 million.
Of significance is that the hospital has now been named after Bertha Gxowa, a struggle heroine who worked tirelessly for progress in South Africa and was never discouraged by her gender status in the face of racial oppression.
Today also marks Mama Bertha’s birthday. She was born on this day in 1934 and passed on in November 2010. She was one of the key people and lead organisers of the historic women’s march to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. Women were protesting against a law that forced the black population to carry a pass with them at all times to permit them entry to white areas.
The hospital which first opened its doors 100 years ago with separate sections for black and white patients has changed over the years. The hospital now boasts a modern neonatal and paediatric high care as well as four theatres which can be accessed by all races.
The new hospital will certainly boost health care in the province as it has many improvements compared to the old one. These include an increase in the number of beds from 149 to 300, an increase in the staff compliment from 540 to 1062 as well as an adult high care with ten beds.
Services to be offered by this hospital include:
- Out Patients
- 24 Hours Casualty
- Radiology
- Theatre
- Family and Internal Medicine
- Paediatrics unit including Prevention of Mother to Child Therapy
- Comprehensive Chronic Illness management and treatment
- Male Medical Circumcision
- Reproductive Health including Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Ante Natal Clinic
- Choice of Pregnancy and Cervical Screening
- Medico-legal services provided in Casualty
- Dental Service.
Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC, Ntombi Mekgwe says, “We are appealing to the community to take ownership and responsibility for the hospital, guard against vandalism and theft to ensure that they continue to access quality healthcare.”
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
