Unhealthy heatwave hits hospital theatres
The temperatures in the hospital theatre are well above those indicated by standard procedure and the law - concerned employee
POLOKWANE – Temperatures well above the recommended temperatures for a hospital theatre is cause for concern as it puts patients’ health at risk.
A concerned employee of the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital recently contacted Review about the air conditioning in the hospital’s theatre.
The source, who wanted to remain anonymous out of fear of victimisation, said the temperatures in the hospital theatre are well above those indicated by standard procedure and the law. This was perhaps due to a faulty air conditioning system.
The source says according to these standard procedures and the law, the temperatures in a theatre is supposed to be between 11 ºC and 16 ºC at all times. However, the photo sent to Review shows a temperature of over 30 ºC at 11:00.
“Patients are not supposed to be operated on in rooms with such high temperatures. This poses a danger to their health as their wounds can become infected and could lead to sepsis which can cause life-threatening illnesses and even death,” the source said.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection affects skin tissue and organs.
“With the high temperatures, infection is rampant after an operation. We are forced to watch on helplessly as patients are constantly at risk of getting infections and there is nothing we can do about it.”
“People come here for medical assistance but with the current conditions in the theatre, instead of getting the help they need, patients might leave the hospital with a pending death sentence,” the source said.
The source added it is not only patients who are at risk, but theatre personnel as well, as they suffer from headaches and general discomfort due to the high temperatures.
“This often leads to personnel taking time off from work due to ill health and to recover from the circumstances they work in.”
Department of Health Spokesperson, Derick Kganyago responded: “The department is unaware of the situation and will launch an internal investigation into the matter.”
He added: “The department has an open door policy and residents should feel free to contact us with concerns or complaints… the same principle applies for department employees. We are committed to providing the best hospital care possible,” he concluded.
Read more:
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Patient denied medical assistance, apologise first says doctor
