Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 04/03/2016
It’s been alleged that about 4000 medical casualty patients are being diverted away every month from the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital because of a change of plan with regard to the renovation of the casualty unit.
Renovations at the Bara medical casualty were supposed to only be closed until December, however MEC for health Qedani Mahlangu said that the ward completed at a cost of R11 million is being used by the trauma unit instead.
The DA’s Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom says it’s unacceptable having to transport patients to lower grade hospitals months after renovations have been completed.
“The renovations were supposed to be completed in December last year, but it seems that they have still not been completed, thus, the hospital is forced to move a huge number of patients to South Rand hospitals which is an inconvenience for them”.
No date has been given for renovations to another ward that would allow the reopening of the medical casualty which treats people with heart attacks, breathing problems, fevers and general medical symptoms.
According to Mahlangu, there are no problems arising as a result of the redirecting of medical casualties to other hospitals, including the Bheki Mlangeni and South Rand hospitals.
“The MEC thinks there are no problems for the 4000 patients sent to lower grade hospitals that are not as well-equipped as the old Bara medical casualty unit, I find that astonishing”.
The Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital management was contacted, however to no avail.
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