New developments for Edenvale Hospital underway
EDENVALE – It is proposed that an additional 96 in-patient beds be provided and an orthopaedic clinic be added to Edenvale Hospital.
Ward 81 councillor Irene Rugheimer has said talks are underway to improve services at the Edenvale General Hospital, including to build new facilities.
Rugheimer said a meeting was held on 8 July at the Lombardy East Bowling Club with Niketiwe Dlamini of Naledzani Environmental Services and the residents to discuss new plans for the hospital.
She said the purpose of the meeting was to give the public an overview of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to ensure that interested and affected parties understand the process.
One of the problems, said Rugheimer, is the fact that many of the departments in the hospital have insufficient space to function effectively, adding that is apparent to patients visiting the hospital.
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According to Rugheimer, the emergency centre is said to be under-funded resulting to it being overcrowded and overburdened.
The layout of the unit is also dysfunctional and shares space with the orthopaedic department and others, she said.
“The lack of a short stay ward affects the emergency centre as patients occupy beds unnecessarily and reduce the ability of medical practitioners to provide emergency services to those that require it.
“There are times when patients are accommodated on mattresses on the floor as there are no beds available in the wards and they need to be held until a bed becomes available,” said Rugheimer.
In-patient facilities are inadequate and there is a need for additional medical, surgical and orthopaedic beds, she added.
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As a result, the councillor said it has been identified that a new emergency centre, including the upgrade of the existing emergency centre, is necessary.
Rugheimer said it is also proposed that an additional 96 in-patient beds be provided for, together with an orthopaedic clinic and an additional theatre in the operating theatre suite.
She said additions will also be made to the mortuary as well as the provision of a linen bank in the laundry.
“Renovations to identified derelict buildings as well as re-planning of the parking site will also be done.”
Reports are available to those who have an interest in the project and Rugheimer said comments, questions, issues of concern or objections can be made in writing.
Details: Irene Rugheimer 072 409 6594.
