Patients will be able to receive health services at Tembisa Hospital while investigations into the cause of the fire that destroyed the accident and emergency unit (casualty) on Saturday continue.

All other units at the hospital will be operational because of a continuity plan put in place by Gauteng health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, to ensure that healthcare facilities remain operational in times of disasters.

Nkomo-Ralehoko briefed the media on Sunday evening after doing a walk-about at the burnt-down hospital unit. 

She reported that all 81 patients who were in the casualty unit when the fire started were unharmed. Some were transferred to various wards in the hospital, while others were transferred to other hospitals in the province.

Seven of the 81 patients walked out of the hospital when the fire broke out, and 50 of them were admitted to Tembisa Hospital’s antenatal unit.

“Two of the patients were immediately sent to the intensive care unit (ICU), one was immediately sent to high care and four were discharged. Six were transferred to Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, four to Edenvale Hospital, three to Steve Biko Academic Hospital and four were transferred to Tshwane District Hospital,” says the MEC.

The 14 nurses, six doctors and six security guards who were on duty at the ward were also unharmed.

“I am happy to indicate that families are able to come and see their loved ones as per the normal arrangements. This is because the fire has not affected other wards,” adds Nkomo-Ralehoko.

Emergency services available

Some of the contingency measures in place include the diversion of ambulance services, only walk-in emergencies will be attended to. Services for acutely ill patients, mother and children services, mental health and other chronic diseases will also be offered to patients who need them.

Before the fire, the unit had recently been renovated and the fire fighting equipment, including the fire detection systems, complied with occupational health and safety standards. 

Teams from the South African Police Services, the Department of Employment and Labour, City of Ekurhuleni Fire Department and the provincial health department will be investigating the cause of the fire.

The MEC will also be a part of the team that will be monitoring operations at Tembisa Hospital throughout the week.No time frame has been given for when the forensic report will be available.

In the meantime, concerned members of the public have been advised to call 011 923 2000 for any enquiries. – Health-e News