R310 million needed to fix Helen Joseph Hospital

22 November 2017

R310 million is the total assessed cost to fix 65 680 identified building problems at the Helen Joseph Hospital in west Johannesburg.

This is disclosed by Infrastructure Development MEC Jacob Mamabolo in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

Mamabolo says that the condition of the hospital is "average" and "the overall integrity of the hospital is in a sound condition."

He identifies, however, the following problem areas:

- the Psychiatric Wards

- plumbing issues with leaking and blocked pipes and missing sanitary fittings

- leaking roofs

- poor ventilation due to non-operational central heating system

- urgent electrical issues due to items being incorrectly installed, missing or being insufficient, and not complying with standards 

- external and internal walls, floors and ceilings

- windows and doors need maintenance, including new locks and seats

- mechanical equipment including the boilers, autoclaves, air conditioners and chillers

Furthermore, the emergency fire escape contravenes the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and there is a need for UV lights and proper infection control.

Mamabolo says that R14.1 million has been budgeted in this financial year to renovate the Psychiatric Wards and R6.96 million for mechanical and electrical condition-based maintenance.

An astounding 65 680 building defects have been logged on the e-maintenance system, and Mamabolo admits that the budget for this year "is not enough to cater for all the defects in this institution".

Patients at this hospital are very aware of the dilapidated condition of much of the building caused by poor maintenance in the past.

I hope that the funds can be found to do a total overhaul of this hospital rather than patch up problem areas as they arise.

Issued by Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, 22 November 2017