SEWAGE LEAKS IN JOBURG HOSPITAL

Staff and patients at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital have been disturbed several times in the past few weeks by leaks of smelly water from the ceiling at various parts of the hospital.

I visited the hospital yesterday and found flattened cardboard boxes used to absorb liquid at the fourth level car park near the Oncology department. Staff told me that there was a bad leak there last week, and also in the waiting area for cancer patients.

The smell from sewage leaks has sometimes permeated the stair wells.

On Monday this week surgery had to be moved from the Block 3 theatre because of water pouring from the ceiling.

There appears to be a recurring plumbing problem that has yet to be fixed permanently.

This hospital needs major repair work to prevent further deterioration.

The problem is poor planning not a lack of budget as the Gauteng Health Department failed to spend R538.5 million for capital projects last year.

Speedy action is needed to ensure that this flagship hospital is kept in good condition.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, October 22 2014

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