DA unhappy about ‘overcrowding’ at Helen Joseph hospital

Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Member of the Legislature (MPL) Jack Bloom says the Helen Joseph Hospital’s casualty unit has been grossly overcrowded for over two weeks.

This comes as health officials are allegedly overlooking a fully-equipped 24-bed ward at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital which Bloom said currently remains empty due to lack of staff.

According to Bloom, up to 45 patients have so far slept in chairs and on the floor in the casualty area of the hospital and have been unable to gain access to the main wards.

 The Gauteng Department of Health is yet to respond to the DA’s allegations.

 Bloom has, meanwhile, described the situation as “shocking.” 

 “It is really appalling. I think it is bad management. If they cut corruption and wastage, I think we could fully staff our hospitals and patients will be properly treated,” he said.