Patients sleep on floor at Kuruman Hospital

PATIENTS sleeping on the floor in corridors, overflowing bins, and blocked basins are just some of the challenges currently faced at Kuruman Hospital.

Public Servants Association (PSA) provincial manager Steve Ledibane explained that the hospital provides health care services to more than 14,000 patients in Kuruman and surrounding villages.

“It is easily accessible to most of the population that needs medical attention, be it during the week or on weekends,” said Ledibane.

“Leaving the facility in such a filthy state, with patients forced to sleep on the floor, is condemned in the strongest terms.

“The extent of non-compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) by a secondary health institution is appalling, to say the least.”

He added that the toilets were not flushing and that only two cleaners were available to clean the facility during weekdays.

“You cannot tell patients not to fall ill over a weekend. Being exposed to such horrific conditions can further compromise the immune systems of already ill patients. There does not appear to be any attempt to address the shortage of staff.

“The PSA calls on Kuruman Hospital management, the John Taolo Gaetsewe Health district management, and the head of department (HOD) to intervene immediately.”

Northern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Lebogang Majaha said there are plans to upgrade the Accident and Emergency section of Kuruman Hospital in the new financial year.

“It must be noted that the facility does not have adequate capacity to address the growing needs of the population, which is increasing in the area, especially due to urbanisation,” he said.

He added that modular structures would be set up to extend the ward space and casualty area, including the patient waiting area.

“Matters relating to staffing, medical equipment, maintenance, and cleanliness of public health facilities are key priority areas identified by the department and are continuously receiving attention.”

Majaha said the acting HOD, Mxolisi Mlatha, was committed to ensuring that all public health facilities were maintained, clean and complied with OHSA regulations.

“All efforts will be undertaken to meet the medical needs of health care users and personnel,” he said.

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