The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed that a fire incident occurred on October 6 at the female psychiatry ward of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

Read the original story here: Fire contained at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital

According to the Gauteng Department of Health, “A mental health patient set fire to her bed while demanding to be discharged. Fortunately, there are no injuries sustained as a result of this incident.”

The Gauteng Department of Health added that security personnel responded promptly and effectively to assist in extinguishing the fire.
The City of Johannesburg fire department also arrived to address the situation and is currently working to clear the smoke from the affected area.

As a precautionary measure, patients were moved from the ward to allow for a thorough investigation to take place. Police are on-site to assist with this process.

Hospital management and staff have taken immediate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients in the ward.

Read more: Fire under control in parking bay at Charlotte Maxeke hospital

Gauteng’s DA Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, said he visited the hospital after reports about the fire and saw the burnt bed, and police were investigating.

“It is concerning that this hospital is still not fully compliant with fire prevention measures following the terrible fire that occurred more than four years ago. It is estimated this will cost R1.7 m, but there is no budget for it.”

Bloom concluded that the DA would continue to press for adequate fire prevention and suppression in all public hospitals.

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