EASTERN CAPE - 2 EC HOSPITALS HAVE BEEN FORCED TO DISCHARGE PATIENTS DUE TO LACK OF WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

Two hospitals in the Eastern Cape have been forced to discharge hundreds of patients due to a lack of water caused by collapsing infrastructure.

The St Barnabas hospital in Libode and the All Saints hospital in Ngcobo are only admitting serious cases.

Provincial health spokesperson, Sizwe Kupelo says the All Saints hospital in Ngcobo requires new infrastructure that will cost more than R40-million.

“At All Saints we had to move patients as a precaution because the hospital cannot run without water, we were also interrupted by local service providers who are not happy that truck owners from outside of Ngcobo were given the emergency contract to supply water to hospital”

The wards are empty at All Saints hospital, giving testimony to this dire situation, while a number of nurses were seen sitting without work to do.

Beds have no linen because it's dirty.

A water pump that developed problems in January is the cause of the predicament the hospital has found itself in and the reservoir dried up.

Kupelo says a tender will be put out for the upgrade.


Water supply at All Saints hospital is expected to return to normal soon
Some patients are being referred to clinics and hospitals like Cofimvaba and Elliot, only to be referred back to All Saints to collect medication at a huge cost to them.

A pregnant Kuthazwa Mxhobo who was also referred to another health facility, says she has been severely inconvenienced.

“I went to All Saints hospital and I was told to come to this clinic. This cost me a lot because I had to come here. I did not budget for that now I have to spend close to hundred rand when I only budgeted for forty rand”

Kupelo says the water supply at All Saints hospital is expected to return to normal soon.

Water is still being carted to St Barnabas hospital while the pump is being replaced.

Nurses and doctors are also affected as they have to travel to see their patients at the various medical facilities.

VIA - sabc