The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, led by Nhlakanipho Ntombela, has embarked on oversight inspections at health institutions as part of the provincial Legislature’s Health Functionality visits.

The programme, which started last Wednesday in Estcourt and Emmaus, saw members visiting various health facilities in the district, including hospitals and clinics.

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They were accompanied by uThukela Deputy Mayor NW Mchunu, Health District Director Dr T Zulu, the EDTEA, Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality and fieldworkers.

The purpose, as outlined, was to make sure that government health institutions are in order during the Covid-19 period.

Estcourt Hospital acting CEO Dr ME Kekana gave a presentation on the functionality of the hospital, saying that the institute is people-centred, as they try to offer primary healthcare services for the benefit of all the people. In the past three months, things have changed a lot at the hospital because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In terms of general operations, the institution has 11 fixed clinics, four mobile clinics and 367 Community Care Givers (CCGs), with a supervisor and facilitator.

With regards to preparedness for Covid-19 cases, they have isolation and quarantine wards, with 72 beds allocated.
The hospital has reached its full capacity due to the pandemic.
They have a dedicated screening desk at the entrance, personal protective equipment (PPE) is in full utilisation, and there is enough stock.

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The Zwelisha Clinic provides primary healthcare services to over 14,000 patients. Training on Covid-19 has been provided to all staff members.

Enough PPE has been supplied to the clinic. Covid-19 guidelines are implemented and regulations observed.
Another team – led by a member of the Legislature, Miss Z Cele; Okhahlamba Speaker Cllr S Zulu; and officials – visited Emmaus Hospital to check the institution’s functionality and state of readiness. Hospital CEO Mrs Mzizi said they receive referrals from six clinics and mobile clinics around Okhahlamba Local Municipality.

She gave a brief breakdown of services rendered by the hospital, including chronic medication distribution.
She elaborated that they have had a severe, acute rate of malnutrition cases of children over the years because of the high unemployment rate in the area.

With regards to the issue of Covid-19, the hospital converted the tuberculosis ward for isolation and quarantine, and has 32 beds.
They also transferred 14 professional nurses to help in the Covid-19 ward. There is now a shortage of professional nurses, but the staff is currently being reshuffled.

At Mazizini Clinic, Sister Hlongwane presented their services, saying that the clinic provides comprehensive primary healthcare.
Regarding Covid-19, security guards control social distancing and make sure that visitors are wearing masks, and enrolled nurses conduct the screening and direct suspected cases to the isolation room. No Covid-19 cases have been found in the facility as yet.

On the downside, the clinic is built on a small piece of land surrounded by households, with no adequate space for a waiting area and storerooms, and not enough space for a parking lot.
The clinic’s main concern is sewage, which is overflowing and presents a health hazard to the community.

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