MBOMBELA – The Department of Health has finally broken its silence about the shortage of linen at Rob Ferreira Hospital.
However, although it insists that the problem has been resolved, sources within the hospital told Lowvelder on Thursday that this was not the case.
“We had enough linen yesterday (Wednesday), but there is a shortage this morning because the autoclave (steriliser) is out of order again. It cannot produce steam since one of the water pipes have apparently burst,” one of the sources said.
Mr Dumisani Malamule, spokesman for health, said they were utilising the services of Themba and Barberton hospitals to provide clean linen to Rob Ferreira.
What he didn’t say, was that Lowveld Hospital had also assisted in sterilising the linen.
“The removal of rubbish also remains a problem. We still don’t receive enough bags or the right type to dispose of medical waste correctly,” another source added.
There were concerns that the delivery of orthopedic services, which is already under severe pressure, might collapse when Rob Ferreira’s only orthopedic surgeon, Dr André Troskie, leaves the hospital at the end of the month. However, a new orthopedic surgeon has been appointed and started at the hospital on Thursday.
