Gqeberha’s Livingstone Hospital, one of the biggest in the Eastern Cape, is buckling under the strain of chronic staff shortages – from doctors and nurses to porters – as well as overcrowding, and, last week, striking security staff.
A senior medical professional at the hospital said the crisis was worsening by the day, and that in some cases, patients had to wait 24 hours to see a doctor.
“The situation is critical and warrants urgent investigation and public attention. The current state of affairs is unsustainable and directly threatens healthcare professionals and patients,” he told News24.
He said the province lacked after-hours healthcare and that no primary healthcare facilities were available in the region after hours, forcing patients to rely solely on Livingstone Hospital, leading to overcrowding.
Last week, he added, security staff downed tools because they hadn’t been paid.
“During that time, staff feared for their safety as the hospital is in a high-risk area. The anxiety is further compounded by patients who are frustrated by the long waiting times, and who often take it out on doctors and medical staff,” he said.
Every department is apparently understaffed, leading to restricted access to some wards, and exacerbating the bottleneck in the emergency and casualty units.
There are also constant shortages of essential medical supplies and basics like IV cannulae, ECG electrodes and inter-costal drains.
During News24’s visit on Friday, the casualty unit was jam-packed with patients, while escorts had to wait outside.
Guards employed by Nomgwenya Security Services – which says the overdue, outstanding amount has since been processed – were back at their posts.
One guard said safety concerns at the hospital were “very high”, and that a guard always had to be present when a doctor sees a patient.
“We don’t just stand at the doors or roam around to maintain order… we attend a consultation with a patient, especially if they come from the psychiatric ward,” she said.
A total of 42 guards are on duty during the day shift and 32 at night, with security also stationed off the premises at the doctors’ living quarters.
A provincial Health Department spokesperson said that although guards had stopped working temporarily last week, they were back on duty.
“The money owed to the security company was authorised for payment on 3 October 2024… The department remains committed to paying its debts within the budgetary constraints,” said Mkhululi Ndamase.
Regarding the overcrowding, he said the hospital’s clinic was not open 24 hours a day, which was the case at all public health facilities countrywide, not just Nelson Mandela Bay.
However, there are community healthcare centres operating 24 hours a day.
Cash flow issues
He said the Department would increase 24/7 service coverage at strategic points to reduce the workload and queues at Dora Nginza and Livingstone hospitals.
“Outreach services from those two to identified district hospitals will also help in providing certain procedures closer to the community,” he added.
The Department acknowledged provincial staff shortages, saying it was hampered by budgetary constraints.
This, and cash flow challenges, meant that sometimes suppliers could not be paid on time and withheld their services, leading to shortages.
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