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.