GAUTENG HOSPITAL CHAOS

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA

ONLINE EDITOR @KASIBC_AFRICA

GAUTENG HOSPITAL CHAOS

An alarming number of patients get new infections caused by poor conditions in Gauteng public hospitals.

According to a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature, 7743 patients got hospital-acquired infections last year, including many antibiotic-resistant infections that are difficult to treat and could be life-threatening.

These are known as nosocomial infections, which develop during a hospital stay when patients get an infection other than what they were admitted for.

By far the worst hospital is Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital (CMJH), where 1473 out of 12 940 patients in 2024 got nosocomial infections (11%) - this is one in ten of all patients!

At the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH), there was a 6% nosocomial infection rate - 1796 infections out of 31 950 admissions.

Others with a concerning number of hospital-acquired infections include the following:

Edenvale Hospital - 407 (8%) out of 5166 admissions

Kalafong Hospital - 554 (6%) out of 8952 admissions

Tembisa Hospital - 596 (5%) out of 13 116 admissions

Rahima Moosa Hospital - 217 (5%) out of 4320 admissions

Leratong Hospital - 365 (4%) out of 1026 admissions

Pholosong Hospital - 249 (4%) out of 5796

Nosocomial infections are more likely in the higher-level hospitals because they have more complex cases with long hospital stays, do more invasive procedures, and use more antibiotics.

Steve Biko and George Mukhari academic hospitals fare better than CMJH and CHBH, with 3% nosocomial infections.

Of the tertiary hospitals, Helen Joseph has a 2% infection rate compared to 6% for Kalafong and 5% for Tembisa.

Amongst the regional hospitals, Thelle Mogoerane has only a 1% infection rate, compared to 3% for the Far East Rand, Mamelodi and Sebokeng hospitals, and 8% for the Edenvale hospital.

The Gauteng Health Department blames staff shortages, overcrowding, inadequate hand hygiene facilities, broken equipment, and frequent stock outs of essential cleaning materials such as soaps and disposable paper towels.

Linen shortages are also blamed, as it forces patients to reuse bedding and pyjamas for long periods, and surgical patients are at extra risk due to inability to provide clean linen pre-
and post-operatively.

The department admits that: "A significant shortage of nurses, doctors, cleaners. and allied health professionals is leading to staff being overburdened. As a result, tasks are often rushed, corners may be cut, and staff are pressured to 'push the line' or 'finish quickly', potentially compromising the quality and safety of care."

I am concerned that many patients are getting infections that can be easily avoided with basic improvements like decent cleaning and adequate linen.

Imagine the extra pain and suffering of patients who pick up infections that extends their stay in hospital and can even be life-threatening.

While some level of nosocomial infections will happen in even the best-run facility, urgent intervention is needed at the worst hospitals, particularly Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital. It is yet another reason why hospital CEO Gladys Bogoshi should be speedily replaced by a competent professional.

A DA-run health department would minimise new hospital infections by ensuring proper staffing and equipment, training in infection prevention, and discipline for any failure to provide a hygienic environment.

MAKEKASIGREAT©®™ @KASIBC_AFRICA