Thembisa Hospital’s labour ward to get more staff

To supplement and strengthen clinical staff at Thembisa Hospital’s labour ward, neonatal unit and pediatric wards, over 80 critical posts have been submitted to the Gauteng department of health for approval and funding.

The department’s spokesperson, Kwara Kekana, has confirmed that these posts include doctors, nurses, cleaners and porters.

“This process started on February 12, and it is being handled with urgency and utmost importance. These posts are spread across disciplines, including doctors, nurses and support staff. One of the specialist posts on the priority list is for a cardiologist, aimed at minimising long-waiting times for referrals,” said Kekana.

Kekena further mentioned that with regard to overcrowding at labour wards, a process is underway to establish an on-site midwife birthing unit.

Thembisa Hospital recently experienced an outbreak of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE), which led to the death of 10 babies.

These infections particularly affect the low birth weight neonates.

The CRE bacteria have, in recent years, proven to be a national and international challenge across the health system due to organism resistance to antibiotics.

“We are working around the clock to make all the necessary interventions at Thembisa Hospital to address some of the issues we found needed urgent attention.

“The hospital has quite a large catchment area; therefore, staff complement needs a relook, hence we have identified these posts,” said Gauteng MEC for health Dr Bandile Masuku.

“One of the issues that have been noted at the labour ward was that some expectant mothers do not enrol for antenatal classes which makes it difficult for doctors and nurses to notice issues early on.

“We would like to plead with members of the community to enrol for these classes as soon as they confirm pregnancy. “This not only helps medical staff make informed decisions but also makes the delivery process relatively smooth,” added Masuku.