Port Shepstone Regional Hospital seeks to remedy problems experienced by patients
The hospital said it was open to constructive criticism and suggestions.
Service delivery is always a problem at local hospitals and in an effort to find a way forward, the management of Port Shepstone Regional Hospital recently met with community members at the hospital’s transport unit, where issues experienced by patients and possible solutions were discussed.
The list of concerns included lack of beds, inadequate parking lot, staff attitude, waiting times, access to information, patient care, and equal access to services.
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The hospital’s chief executive officer, Bawinile Ndlovu, said she was delighted that the community shared their complaints with management because it was law that they communicate with the public through these consultative meetings.
“One of the biggest problems is that there are only 336 beds available, which is why it’s a challenge allocating a bed to a patient. In order to create space, we try to stabilise some patients and transfer them to other hospitals in the district. Some wards, especially the surgical ward, are usually packed because of the high number of accidents on the South Coast,” she said.
“People need to take ownership of their health by communicating with the hospital. We are open to constructive criticism and suggestions. We have noted all the issues raised and we will address them accordingly,” she said.
Ward 2 councillor Dave Watson attended the meeting and raised concerns – including patients getting different doctors all the time – but also commended the hospital for some of the good services it offers.
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