Hospital uses backup systems amid blackout
Operations at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital continue under contingency measures after feeder thefts caused week-long power interruptions.
The ongoing power outage affecting parts of Pretoria Central for the past week has forced Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital to enable contingency measures to keep its operations going.
Last week, theft and vandalism occurred at the feeders at Bellom Princess Park, along Struben Street near Cowie Street.
The power supply interruptions have continued throughout the weekend and into this week, and officials are still not able to give an estimated time of restoration, despite making progress in repairs.
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The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) issued a statement explaining that this has prompted them to implement measures that will allow them to continue providing healthcare.
These include backup power systems to all connected areas of the facility, as well as the procurement of lamps to enhance visibility.
Hospital management has reassigned cell phones to critical areas of the hospital.
The alternative numbers for hospital management are as follows:
– Patient admin: 060 521 4531
– Case management: 060 521 6626
– Social work: 060 521 7686/060 521 9298
– Nursing management: 071 881 5240/071 881 6700
– OPD services: 060 521 7928.
In a statement, the GDoH said, “An assessment conducted by the City of Tshwane has confirmed that the outage resulted from extensive damage to the electricity infrastructure caused by theft and vandalism.
“The city has assured the GDoH that the matter is receiving urgent attention; however, due to the severity and complexity of the damage, restoration efforts are expected to take several days.”
The department also apologised to patients and residents for the inconvenience caused.
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