Latest news with #MECforHealth
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
R59 million upgrade at RK Khan Hospital: a step towards modern healthcare
Nomagugu Simelane, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, during an oversight visit at RK Khan Hospital Image: Supplied DESPITE delays and a missed completion deadline, a R59 million renovation at RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth is almost complete. The 56-year-old hospital underwent waterproofing and internal renovations to Blocks D and E, and the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD). In a statement, Nomagugu Simelane, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, said she was satisfied with the progress made, which was over 400 days past the completion deadline. Simelane was joined by acting head of department Penny Msimango, and members from the health infrastructure unit at an oversight visit at the hospital on Wednesday. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ She said the state-of-the-art renovations were aimed at modernising the facility and integrating new medical technology and infrastructure. 'This includes the waterproofing of roof slabs, the complete redesign of Wards D and E according to Infrastructure Unit Support System (IUSS) guidelines. The state-of-the-art renovations were aimed at modernising the facility and integrating new medical technology and infrastructure. Image: Supplied 'The project also involves the removal of existing fittings, fixtures, and outdated electrical, mechanical, and extraction systems, as well as raising all internal partitions in the bed wards to a height of 2.1 metres. 'The redesigned CSSD will now fully comply with IUSS accommodation design standards. These renovations are set to bring the 56-year-old hospital in line with modern medical infrastructure standards,' Simelane added. Cyril Pillay, former chairperson of the RK Khan Hospital board, said he commended the KZN Department of Health for the substantial progress made in upgrading the hospital. 'As a servant of the community and a firm believer in the dignity and value of every human life, I welcome the R59 million investment in modernising this vital healthcare facility. 'These renovations and updated infrastructure represent more than just construction. They are a testament to our government's commitment to providing our people with safe, clean, and efficient healthcare environments. 'The hospital has served our communities for over five decades. Many families in eThekwini and surrounding areas have turned to it in times of need. This new infrastructure will bring healing, dignity, improve staff morale, and create an environment that supports cutting-edge medical care,' he added. He said while delays were acknowledged, the oversight visit by the MEC was welcomed. 'We appreciate the oversight visit and accountability shown by MEC Simelane and the infrastructure team. Let us continue to pray for wisdom, excellence, and compassion to guide those entrusted with our healthcare. As a community, we celebrate this milestone together, because a healthier province is a stronger province." Dr Imran Keeka, spokesperson on health for the Democratic Alliance, said: 'We note that the upgrade project is finally reaching conclusion despite being some 400 days over its original scheduled conclusion date of November 2023. The upgrades are finally reaching an end and this is commendable. The project delays have caused immense inconvenience to patients, staff and management of the facility. 'The nearby Clairwood Hospital has also had to step in and foster patients, with patients transferred there for admission on a daily basis, using vital Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) resources. 'The knock-on effect is that instead of local ambulances being available for emergencies, they were busy ferrying patients from one hospital to another,' he added. Keeka said the situation had also led to doctors having to do ward rounds to see patients at two different hospitals and where specialised services were only at RK Khan Hospital, patients were brought to and from the facility on multiple occasions.
IOL News
17-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Health Minister calls for ombud investigation into medical intern's death at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital
Dr Alulutho Mazwi died on Monday while he was on duty. It is alleged that he had been feeling ill but was instructed to work. Image: Supplied Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi has called for the health ombud to investigate the death of medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in uMlazi, south of Durban last Monday. This comes after calls by unions and government officials within the health sector for a thorough investigation into his death. Mazwi was allegedly made to work despite reporting he was unwell before he collapsed while on duty. In a statement late on Friday night, ministry spokesperson Sello Lediga said while the minister had not received any official report from the province, he contacted the MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Nomagugu Simelane. 'The Minister believes that considering the severity of this matter, a senior professional with relevant academic and professional experience in this area will be appropriate to investigate this matter urgently. 'In his opinion, the Health Ombud fits the mould of such a medical professional, himself having been a medical intern, medical registrar, medical consultant and a professor who headed a department, therefore has a deep understanding of how the system works,' he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Health Ombud is an independent body established in terms of the National Health Amendment Act of 2013, with responsibility to protect and promote the health and safety of users of health services by considering, investigating, and disposing of complaints in the national health system relating to non-compliance with prescribed norms and standards. Health ombud, Professor Taole Resetselemang Mokoena, who was appointed in 2023, previously chaired a panel for the investigation of surgical deaths at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 1996/7 and the panel of inquiry into discrimination within the Cardiology Department at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Mokoena, according to the Ministry, has the authority to issue subpoenas to obtain any necessary information. 'Minister Motsoaledi extends his heartfelt condolences to Dr Mazwi's family and colleagues and hopes that the investigation will help get to the bottom of this matter.' According to reports, the 25-year-old was recently diagnosed with diabetes. The DA's KZN spokesperson on health, Dr Imraan Keeka, said it was alleged that Mazwi was overworked by one of his senior doctors despite the knowledge that he was very ill at the time. The South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu) said this incident highlights the urgent need to address the unacceptable working conditions and treatment that most junior doctors, especially interns, are subjected to by their supervisors. The union noted that junior doctors often face threats of not being signed off for completing their rotations if they raise concerns. The Public Servants Association (PSA) said Mazwi's death was preventable and claimed that this incident reflects systemic problems at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, including 'inhumane working conditions, autocratic leadership, and abuse of power.' 'The PSA previously picketed and delivered memoranda to the Head of Department and the MEC for Health, raising serious concerns about the ill-treatment of staff. To date, no meaningful investigation or intervention has been conducted,' it said. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health confirmed on Friday that a supervisor at the hospital had been placed on precautionary suspension. MEC Simelane urged interns at the hospital to come forward and voice their grievances, particularly in cases of perceived bullying or ill-treatment. The KZN Health Department said three other dedicated healthcare workers died this week. Last Sunday, Dr Siyabonga Zulu, a Medical Officer in the Department of Anaesthesia at Ngwelezane Hospital, tragically died, while on Tuesday, Mvelo Cele, a radiographer at Port Shepstone Hospital, died. Dr Tumelo Kgaladi, who worked at the Addington Hospital obstetrics and gynaecology unit, died at his home in Clare Estate. The details surrounding the deaths of these three healthcare workers were not disclosed by the Department. The Department stated that these consecutive losses have left a significant void, particularly at a time when their skills, experience, and passion are greatly needed in the healthcare system. 'Each of them represented a future filled with promise, professional excellence, and the ability to inspire and uplift those around them.' The MEC extended condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of these healthcare workers. 'It has been truly devastating to learn of the deaths of these young, talented professionals at four of our healthcare facilities. They were individuals who not only contributed immensely to our healthcare system but also embodied the spirit of service, compassion, and leadership. Their potential to shape and mentor future generations has been cut short, and we are heartbroken by this loss,' said Simelane.
