Stringent measures needed to prevent Covid-19 infections at Gauteng hospitals

24 April

I am concerned that 28 Gauteng Health Department employees have so far tested positive for Covid-19 as there is high potential for public hospitals to become sources of infection.

This follows 90 employees who have tested positive at the Mediclinic Morningside clinic in Sandton, including 11 patients.

Years of poor management and a shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) could see a similar or worse outbreak in Gauteng’s public hospitals.

Earlier this week staff at the Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto protested about inadequate safeguards after a patient was found to have Covid-19.

Staff are also worried at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital after six pharmacy employees tested positive for the virus. It is worrying that more than 50 other staff members are still dealing with patients even as they await the outcome of their tests.

I am also aware of a Covid-19 scare at South Rand Hospital after a cleaner tested positive there last week. Other cases last week include a nurse at the George Mukhari Hospital, which led to a deep cleaning of the casualty section, and a staff member at Kalafong Hospital who has now recovered from the disease.

This highlights the necessity for stringent measures to ensure that all hospital staff and patients are properly protected from Covid-19.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, 24 April 2020