The Department of Health is responsible for the unsafe and unsanitary conditions at the Frontier Hospital in Komani that are putting patients’ lives at risk, according to the DA in the Eastern Cape.
The hospital has allegedly run out of funds to purchase vital medical supplies used to prevent the spread of infections.
It has also allegedly run out of personal protective equipment used by medical staff during operations, including sterile wraps to clean surgical instruments before and after they are used.
Because of the shortage of vital equipment, doctors have had to reuse some items, which has resulted in a spike in infections.
Jane Cowley, the DA’s shadow MEC for Health in the province, said this has put the hospital at risk of legal claims and “adds a further burden of care to already overstretched nursing and medical staff and delays the recovery of the patient.
“Worst of all, it adds unnecessary health risks to the already ill patient, which could see the Eastern Cape Department of Health facing further medico-legal claims,” Cowley said.
She said the state of linen used by patients was another cause for concern.
“Gowns are old and in tatters, and the linen is so threadbare that it does not cover mattresses effectively and therefore compromises the health of the patients,” she said.
Cowley said staff shortages were adding to the already dire situation at the hospital.
A patient who spoke to Scrolla.Africa anonymously said there were no security guards or nurses on duty at night.
“We’re supposed to have someone who can help should anything happen during the night,” the patient said.
She added that the ward she was admitted to had no windows and that patients often had to relieve themselves in a bathtub.
Cowley said she has written to Eastern Cape Health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth to request emergency funding to ensure the continued supply of crucial items.
Meth’s spokesperson, Mkhululi Ndamase said the DA was being selective in highlighting some of the issues.
He added that depleted stock is normally replenished timeously but due to budget constraints, the hospital has had to make use of its partnerships with neighbouring hospitals.
“However, because of budgetary constraints, this is sometimes not possible hence the partnerships between hospitals to ensure lives are not at risk,” Ndamase said
Pictured above: A ward with makeshift curtains at Komani’s Frontier Hospital.
Image source: Supplied
