15 ambulances parked at Discoverers Hospital active, says department
Gauteng health officials clarify emergency vehicles seen waiting at the Roodepoort facility form part of a rotating fleet.
In response to reports about idle emergency vehicles, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDH) says 15 ambulances parked at Discoverers Hospital form part of an active operational fleet.
The response follows claims by an anonymous source after recent reporting on a fleet standing idle at Florida Fire Station.
According to health department spokesperson Steve Mabona, there is no truth to speculation that the ambulances are standing idle, though there are about 15 ambulances at the hospital at any one time.
“Ambulances parked at Discoverers Hospital should not be interpreted as idle or permanently out of service,” said Mabona.
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Ambulances used on a rotational basis
“The base has a total fleet allocation of 33 vehicles consisting of 22 emergency ambulances, five ICU and High Care ambulances, and six Gauteng Scheduled Emergency Transport (GSET) ambulances, that are used for specific purposes and specific categories of patients,” said Mabona.
“Some ambulances are rendering services to clinics during the day, and the majority serve the community and other health facilities.”
Department addressing staff shortage
Mabona added that the department is fast-tracking a recruitment drive for 541 advertised EMS posts to strengthen service delivery.
“The department remains committed to managing ambulance resources efficiently and responsibly to ensure uninterrupted emergency medical care for the residents of Gauteng.”
Ward 70 councillor Caleb Finn, who has extensive experience with the ComMed community first responder service, confirmed that most of these ambulances are used on a rotational basis.
Industry-wide staff shortage
Finn said recruiting emergency management services personnel is challenging due to a shortage of suitable candidates in South Africa.
“Even the large private ambulance operators struggle with staff recruitment because the industry does not attract enough interest.”
He attributed the shortage to the high cost of qualifying and noted that many qualified personnel seek opportunities abroad.
