16 Gauteng hospitals suffer water shortages and cancel 392 ops
14 November 2023
Sixteen Gauteng public hospitals have experienced water cuts this year, forcing the cancellation of 392 operations.
This is revealed by Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.
The Helen Joseph Hospital had 7 water supply interruptions from March to September this year, with 36 operations cancelled.
Edenvale Hospital had to cancel 117 operations because of 7 periods with low pressure or no water at all, sometimes lasting as long as a week. Negative effects on patients included being unable to clean, cook, and operate essential equipment like boilers, laundry and autoclave sterilisers.