IS HELEN JOSEPH HOSPITAL REALLY CLEAN?
Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu says that the Helen Joseph Hospital in west Johannesburg is clean, but this is not the experience of many patients or those who work there.
In a recent reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature she said that there are 77 cleaners at the hospital and that she is "comfortable with the level of cleanliness of the Helen Joseph Hospital".
I often get complaints about how dirty this hospital is, including the disgusting state of the toilets.
On Mandela Day last month I participated with volunteers in cleaning the hospital grounds, but was escorted out by security when I went inside to check on cleanliness.
I welcome Mahlangu's announcement that a contractor has been appointed to do once-off cleaning of the hospital grounds and that young people will also do hospital cleaning as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme.
But Mahlangu should not be in denial about the current dirty state of the hospital.
I attach below a letter from a patient who wishes to remain anonymous. I challenge Mahlangu to do an unannounced visit to this hospital and see for herself the real state of cleanliness there.
Letter from Patient:
On Wednesday July 23rd, I spent a lengthy time in Helen Joseph Hospital waiting to be attended to. The waiting room in casualties was absolutely filthy, there was not one cleaner in sight the stench emanating from the toilets (without seats) was enough to make one want throw up all the time. Not to mention the stench coming from within the waiting room. There were also six people lying on stretchers all day waiting to be admitted. (No beds available in the wards).
The doctors ..... well they looked like they were on holiday, as if there were no patients to see to. Patients who were either lying on stretchers or sitting in wheelchairs were told by the nurses to get up and sit on the chairs as they needed to use the equipment. One nurse also told a patient that they don't have time for people over 60 years. I came out of casualty at 10pm that night with a packet of supposed pain killers (Panado). After a few tests No reason was given as to why I became so ill and why I thought I was having a stroke after going lame on the right side. So .... maybe you could go there unannounced and see what actually goes on there in the afternoons through to the night.
Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, August 13 2014
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