Health MEC admits to skills shortages
'In health professional categories, scarce skills are required and they are not readily available for appointment'
Despite the worry about personnel shortages in Gauteng state hospitals, Krugersdorp state hospitals claim they have no shortages whatsoever.
The News recently received a worrisome media statement declaring Gauteng state hospitals were understaffed and needed another 574 doctors and 1 209 nurses to be properly staffed.
Although this figure is shocking, Leratong Hospital and Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital claimed they were not understaffed.
“Dr Yusuf Dado Hospital doesn’t have a shortage of doctors or nurses,” Steve Mabona, Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson said.
“All the posts are filled at the moment.”
Qedani Mahlangu, Gauteng Health MEC claimed the majority of posts that are vacant is due to natural attrition. “Some positions are in the process of being filled,” Qedani said. “In health professional categories such as pharmacists, therapists and certain medical and nursing disciplines, scarce skills are required and they are not readily available for appointment in the public sector, thus the extended delay in filling these positions.”
She added that the staff shortage has no effect on patient care. “The vacant posts are filled immediately through walk-in applications and the annual block advertisement.”
Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC said the MEC should not be complacent as the shortages do affect the quality of patient care. “Training needs to be stepped up, particularly in specialist areas,” Bloom said.
At present there are 5 125 doctors and 27 873 nurses in Gauteng state hospitals, but many in the highly skilled categories are close to retirement.
The most concerning issue is the vacancies for 151 grade-one medical officers and 60 medical specialists.
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