SHOCK VIDEOS OF SEWAGE AT GAUTENG HOSPITALS

I have shocking videos of sewage flows at two major Gauteng hospitals which pose a hygiene hazard for patients and staff.

In the last two weeks I have visited the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg and Chris Hani Baragwanath hospitals to see the sewage leaks for myself.

At Bara Hospital there is a flowing sewer with a dreadful smell next to Medical Admissions Ward 20.

At Charlotte Maxeke, sewage water leaks from the ceiling in various parts of the hospital.

Surgery had to be moved recently from the Block 3 theatre because of water pouring from the ceiling.

Sewage flows from the ceiling at the paediatric clinic in Block Two on the fifth floor. This is especially disturbing as there are tiny babies at this clinic with poor immunity who have not yet been vaccinated.

The newly-opened Natalspruit Hospital has also had plumbing problems, including a flow in August from the ceiling in children's ward 5.

These maintenance breakdowns are unacceptable.

The problem is poor planning not a lack of budget as the Gauteng Health Department failed to spend R538.5 million for capital projects last year.

Speedy action is needed to ensure that effective repairs are done before the situation deteriorates further.

Charlotte Maxeke Hospital:

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital:

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, November 3 2014

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