‘Final Covid compliance warning’ to local hospital

Tshwane District Hospital was one of several Gauteng health facilities that received a final warning for not complying with occupational health and safety legislation during Covid-19.

This was revealed by Gauteng health MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi.

Her written reply was in response to a question by DA Gauteng shadow MEC for health Jack Bloom in the Gauteng provincial legislature.

The managements of Chris Hani Baragwanath, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, Wits Oral & Dental, Medunsa Oral & Dental hospitals, among others, also received such warnings.

Gauteng health spokesperson Kwara Kekana said these warnings were part of “consequence management”.

According to Mokgethi, Tshwane District Hospital’s management failed to hold a daily meeting on personal protective equipment (PPE) or hold environmental risk assessments and health and safety meetings.

“I am concerned that CEOs of major hospitals neglected occupational health and safety during the pandemic as this increased the risk of staff contracting the virus,” said Mokgethi.

Tshwane District Hospital spokesperson Zandile Mthimunye, however, denied that the hospital had not followed health and safety protocols.

According to Mthimunye, Tshwane District Hospital merged with Steve Biko Academic hospital to fight Covid-19 together in March last year.

She said the decision was made during a meeting held between representatives of the two hospitals chaired by cluster head Dr. Mathabo Mathebula.

Mthimunye said further a meeting with acting MEC Jacob Mamabolo was held in August last year.

During this meeting a report about occupational health and safety issues was submitted to the MEC as requested.

“However, the MEC at that time was under the impression that Tshwane District Hospital will submit a separate report, hence it was not recorded.

“As far as we know, both hospitals are fully compliant with all occupational health and safety regulations to date.”

Mthimunye said Tshwane District and Steve Biko hospitals were still working together.

“The hospitals have developed a clear contingency plan to manage any [Covid] resurgence. They continuously hold joint meetings to monitor changes and come up with improvement plans.”

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