MEC Hope Papo assures public that it is dealing with surgical backlogs

16 Sep 2012

The Gauteng Department of Health would like to acknowledge that Steve Biko and some of its hospitals are currently experiencing backlogs in surgery as a result of budgetary constraints and a shortage of staff.

The MEC for health Hope Papo would however like to assure members of the public that it is doing its best to address the situation. The department has engaged with the provincial treasury in an effort to find more resources to be release to central hospitals in the province to assist address staff shortages, alleviate budgetary pressures and deal with repair of equipment.

The department is also planning to train lower category of nursing staff such as staff nurses and to increase the number of personnel able to assist with basic intensive care of patients. It is also looking at increasing the number of Intensive care unit beds in the province.

The department would like to state that notwithstanding the challenges, Steve Biko has conducted 3 586 surgical operations from January to July this year. Chris Hani Baragwanath conducted 16 585 operation in the same period, while Dr George Mukhari Academic conducted 4727 operations.

While the surgical operations conducted are evidently more than those that are postponed, the department is trying to ensure that all patients receive treatment when it is due.

Statement issued by Simon Zwane, Gauteng Health and Social Development, September 16 2012

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