Some 870 operations have been cancelled at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto this year for various reasons, including stolen cables, no clean linen due to laundry machines not working, and loadshedding.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi, in written replies, told the Gauteng legislature that her department was working on reducing cancellations.
She said the department would buy a new boiler for about R20m to reduce linen shortages, reports News24, and there were plans to appoint a clinical manager to oversee 46 theatres at the hospital.
DA spokesperson on health in Gauteng Jack Bloom said the cancellation of surgery caused patients and staff distress, and that to reduce turnaround times regarding maintenance, hospital CEOs should be given more powers instead of relying on the Gauteng Infrastructure Development Department.
News24 article – 870 operations cancelled at Baragwanath Hospital – Gauteng Health MEC (Open access)
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