Ballito clinic in a bad state after heavy rains

Mouldy walls and rain-soaked beds are what sick people are greeted with at the Ballito Clinic, in the aftermath of the heavy rains.

Ballito clinic committee chairperson Pam Mills said she had been trying for two years to get the health department to fix the serious infrastructure problems faced at the Ballito Clinic.

“Over 4 000 people are treated here every month. When it rains, files in the office area get wet because of the leaks in the ceiling. The consulting rooms for sick, pregnant and frail people are covered in mould and there is a damp, stale smell that emanates through the clinic.

Buckets have to be placed everywhere to collect the water when it drips from the ceiling. The doors are falling off their hinges because wood gets wet. Doctors and nurses have no choice but to treat patients on wet beds,” she said.

Mills said she had reached the end of her tether with the Ilembe department of health, which has failed to address or properly respond to the issues.

Aside from the leaks in the clinic, other infrastructure-related issues need to be addressed urgently.

“The new computers are all packed in the clinic manager’s office as there are no locks on any other doors. The clinic’s main gate cannot close properly because it is falling off its hinges. The security guards have no shelter and I requested that a hut be erected as they are totally exposed to the elements. They have sometimes been found soaking wet after heavy rainfall.

The only toilets at the building are locked at night.

“The security guards have nowhere to go to and either have to relieve themselves out in the open or hold on until their shift ends.”

Ward 6 Councillor Tammy Colley said she had been trying to get the health department to fix the issues but that her attempts had been unsuccessful.

“The state of the clinic is a disaster, especially after the rain. People have a right to be treated in a clean and safe environment and this is not it.”

>>> Meet the top players in the North Coast property industry. See our Property People feature.

>>> Looking for a church? Check out our Churches on the North Coast feature. 

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.