Netcare to sell hospital in west of Pretoria
"The hospital’s under-performance has prevailed from before Covid-19 and this was further exacerbated by the adverse effects of the pandemic in the past 24 months."
Netcare is looking to sell the 60-bed Bougainville hospital in west of Pretoria, the private healthcare provider announced on Tuesday, February 1.
The hospital first opened its doors in 1997.
Commenting on the development, the regional director of Netcare’s north-east region, Johan Smal said unless a suitable buyer was found, the hospital would close its doors on April 30, 2022.
Outlining the reasons for the closure of the facility, Smal said that Netcare’s hospital division continually conducted strategic reviews of its asset portfolio and that Netcare Bougainville hospital was identified as an under-performing facility for a sustained period.
“The hospital’s under-performance has prevailed from before Covid-19 and this was further exacerbated by the adverse effects of the pandemic in the past 24 months.
“These and other circumstances have rendered it uneconomical to retain Netcare Bougainville hospital in the current business environment,” said Smal.
He said that in consultation with the staff, doctors and facility management, a notice had to be issued that the hospital may have to close.
“In addition the Department of Health, unions and other key stakeholders have been kept firmly updated on developments,” he said.
General manager of Netcare Bougainville hospital, Sydney Masalla confirmed that there were only three resident specialists on site at the hospital who also worked at other facilities.
“In addition, we only have 37 active staff members with whom we are in discussion regarding viable alternative employment options,” he said.
Masalla said that in the coming days, they will communicate their plans regarding the process and timeliness relating the closure of the hospital.
“I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to every practitioner that has been part of the family, and for your invaluable contribution to the hospital and our patients throughout this journey, and wish you all the very best in your future endeavours.”
Smal thanked patients, doctors, staff as well as healthcare service providers for their support through the years, saying that they were an integral part of the history of Netcare Bougainville hospital and the greater South African landscape.
“I am confident that we will continue to work together, as we have in the past, in other Netcare facilities – this is, therefore, not farewell.”
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