MORE POWER DISRUPTIONS AT BARA HOSPITAL

The Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is yet again experiencing power disruptions today that are interfering with scheduled surgery.

Electricity supply at the hospital has been erratic since 8 am this morning.

The generators have kicked in, but are only able to supply key areas, including theatres for emergency surgery.

This is the fifth power disruption at the hospital this year, but we still don't have a clear answer why this has occurred.

Gauteng Health MEC Ntombi Mekgwe has previously said that it was due to technical reasons.

I have also heard that cable theft may be involved, or that it is a failure by City Power that supplies the hospital.

This situation cannot be allowed to continue as it is very stressful for staff and patients.

Operations have to be rescheduled, which adds to waiting lists that are already very long.

We need to know the truth about these power failures and what is being done to ensure a reliable electricity supply.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Health Spokesman, June 1 2011

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