An alarming number of patients are contracting new infections during hospital stays in Gauteng, with some of Pretoria’s key hospitals, including Steve Biko, Mamelodi and Kalafong, under scrutiny following the release of shocking infection data.

Pretoria Rekord reports that, according to a written response by the Gauteng Health Department to questions from Dr Jack Bloom, MPL, the DA’s Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, 7 743 hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections were recorded in public hospitals across the province in 2024.

These infections, often resistant to antibiotics, can lead to severe illness, prolonged hospital stays, and in some cases, death.

While Johannesburg’s Charlotte Maxeke Hospital topped the list with an alarming 11% infection rate, Pretoria’s Kalafong Hospital showed a 6% rate, matching the figure for Soweto’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. It is significantly higher than several other regional facilities.

Kalafong recorded 554 infections out of 8 952 admissions, sparking concern over hygiene protocols and staffing capacity.

Similarly, Mamelodi Hospital, though slightly better, still reported a 3% infection rate, on par with Far East Rand and Sebokeng hospitals.

Steve Biko Academic Hospital, a key teaching facility, fared relatively well with a 3% infection rate, better than Kalafong and Tembisa (5%).

“However, even this level signals the presence of avoidable infections that point to broader systemic issues,” said Bloom.

The Gauteng Department of Health attributes the problem to a combination of staff shortages, broken equipment, inadequate hand hygiene facilities, and frequent stock-outs of cleaning materials like soap and disposable paper towels.

“Linen shortages were also highlighted, a critical concern for surgical and post-operative care. Patients are often forced to reuse bedding and pyjamas for extended periods, greatly increasing the risk of infection,” said Bloom. “Simple improvements such as regular cleaning, proper staff levels, and sufficient linen could prevent many of these cases.”

The department acknowledged in its communication to Bloom: “A significant shortage of nurses, doctors, cleaners and allied health professionals is leading to staff being overburdened. As a result, tasks are often rushed, corners may be cut, potentially compromising the quality and safety of care.”

Bloom criticised the current state of hospital management, calling for urgent intervention at high-risk institutions and the replacement of Charlotte Maxeke’s CEO Gladys Bogoshi, with a more competent professional.

He also emphasised the need for infection control training, strict hygiene enforcement and appropriate disciplinary action where negligence is evident.

“While some infections are inevitable in complex hospital settings, the current numbers, particularly at Kalafong and other Pretoria facilities, are simply unacceptable,” Bloom said.

“Patients should not be leaving hospitals sicker than when they arrived.”

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