This is according to metro’s acting spokesperson, Themba Gadebe.
The Advertiser recently reported that patients were angry that the clinic was left unclean for days at end because there were no staff to clean.
The metro, however, did not admit nor deny that patients were subjected to a dirty healthcare facility.
Gadebe says the clinic is one of the busier clinics in the district. He claims that the large volume of clients is a contributory factor to the demand for the clinic to be constantly kept spotless.
Gadebe also admitted that the metro’s Health Department was faced with challenges to renew the clinic’s long-term cleaning contract, which had expired.
“The clinic makes use of contracted cleaners but unfortunately there was a delay in the awarding of a new tender, and a cleaner was contracted on a month to month basis.”
“The last monthly contract expired on June 13, and due to logistical problems a new order for the second part of June 2014 was delayed.”
Gadebe claims that during the interim community members volunteered and assisted to keep the clinic clean, and alternative cleaning arrangements were also made.
The municipality says it has, however, addressed the cleaning contract problem.
“The metro has since awarded a new cleaning contract, effective from July 1, for the next three years. It will assist to sustain the cleaning of the facility on a daily basis.”
Gadebe insisted that regular inspections at the healthcare facility are conducted, and the clinic was on most inspections found to be clean.
“The cleanliness of the facilities is a priority for the metro. It is one of the elements of the National Core Standards that is routinely monitored.
“The metro’s Health Department has a supervisory system in place, which assesses and monitors on critical elements at health facilities including cleanliness.
“The Gauteng Department of Health also conducts regular inspections.”
The Reiger Park Clinic recently received an 84 per cent assessment on cleanliness during an external audit.
Gadebe assures patients that the cleanliness of their facility will be closely monitored to ensure that the facility adheres to high standards.
“The work ethics of the new contracted cleaners will also be closely monitored and guidance will be provided to ensure standards are maintained.
“On-site training will be provided to the contracted cleaners to ensure they are acquainted with cleaning standards specific for a health setting.
“The supervision of the work ethics of the contracted cleaners will also be strengthened.
“In addition, cleaning check lists are available and will be implemented to ensure that cleaning staff adhere to the required schedules,” says Gadebe. – @FanieBoksburg
