No injuries reported following fire incident at Bertha Gxowa Hospital
“The male patient involved in the incident has been transferred to a seclusion room in another ward for continuation of his treatment."
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) reported no injuries following a fire at Bertha Gxowa Hospital.
A mental health patient admitted to the male psychiatry ward caused a panic when he lit a cigarette and subsequently threw a matchstick onto a blanket in his seclusion room, resulting in smouldering and a small fire.
“No injuries were sustained as a result of this incident.
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“The hospital management and staff took immediate action to safeguard the safety and well-being of patients in the ward,” said GDoH head of communication Motalatale Modiba.
“The affected seclusion room has been thoroughly cleaned and assessed by the environmental health specialist to ensure compliance with safety standards. The room has since been closed for minor painting work.
“The male patient involved in the incident has been transferred to a seclusion room in another ward for continuation of his treatment.
“The CCTV footage shows a female visitor sneaking a cigarette and matchbox into the patient’s secluded room. The matter was reported to the police.
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“The department appeals to the public to refrain from bringing prohibited substances into health facilities because it puts these places, patients and employees at risk,” said Modiba.
