“There was no power for over 45 minutes.”
STAFF employed at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital in Kimberley believe that the facility should be closed down due to non-functioning generators, where surgeons allegedly have to make use of cellphone lights in the operating theatre.
It was indicated that it is a legal requirement for a hospital to have at least one working emergency generator.
“The whole hospital including critical care wards such as the emergency room, casualties, the paediatric unit, intensive care and maternity ward are regularly left in a blackout. Patients’ lives are being put at risk. All clinical stations are supposed to be equipped with a back-up electrical supply so that surgical procedures can be completed in the event of a power failure.”
Staff members stated that there was a power trip on Wednesday evening, shortly before midnight, where an entire block was plunged into complete darkness.
“There was no power for over 45 minutes.”
It was related that there appeared to be a disconnection in the electricity supply.
“When there is no power the lifts also do not work and it is impossible to wheel patients up and down the stairs.”
Public Servants Association (PSA) general manager Steve Ledibane added that the hospital had experienced a number of power outages since last year.
“There was a commitment to fix the problem although no specific time has been given as to when this will be done. It becomes especially problematic and worrisome for patients dependent on life support and during surgeries, as well as for intensive care units. In fact, it is illegal for a tertiary hospital to operate in this fashion,” said Ledibane.
He added that some of the generators that were being rented by the hospital would have to be returned due to outstanding payments.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Sello Matsie stated that there were no issues regarding the electricity supply to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital from the municipality’s side.
“There was a power interruption in the CBD and surrounding areas on Wednesday but the problem was fixed.”
The Northern Cape Department of Health had not responded to media enquiries by the time of going to press.
