Deputy Minister of Well being Dr Joe Phaahla has urged the general public to go to close by hospitals for emergency companies following a second fireplace at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital’s outpatient division.
On Wednesday, IOL Information reported that an unknown variety of affected person recordsdata had been destroyed within the fireplace, which broke out days after a blaze engulfed the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit on Saturday evening, elevating severe issues about security on the facility.
Phaahla, who visited the hospital on Wednesday to evaluate the harm, confirmed that the second fireplace was distinct from the primary.
“This was not a continuation of the Saturday fireplace as a result of the world the place the hearth began earlier right now is sort of separate from the accident and emergency part,” mentioned Phaahla.
He defined that the outpatient clinics and the storage space for data, the place Wednesday’s fireplace occurred, are separated from the Accident and Emergency Unit.
“A minimum of whereas we await the consultants, from a layperson’s remark, there isn’t a direct linkage between the 2 fires,” he mentioned.
Phaahla added that though a full forensic investigation is ongoing, preliminary observations present that the outpatient space the place the most recent fireplace started had already been cordoned off, with the ability provide reduce.
“If the world was cordoned off and had no energy provide, we have now to ascertain with our forensic specialists what triggered the second fireplace,” he mentioned.
Phaahla emphasised that hospital companies proceed, together with entry to treatment.
“The workforce, led by our chief pharmacist, has been working to retrieve medication to make sure that even discharged sufferers obtain their treatment,” he mentioned.
Whereas non-emergency companies are persevering with, the hospital can’t at present settle for emergencies.
“Ambulance companies are being diverted to neighboring hospitals like Tambo Memorial and Edenvale,” mentioned Phaahla.
Phaahla inspired non-emergency sufferers to utilise close by clinics and neighborhood well being facilities when potential.
Nevertheless, he assured that sufferers arriving for continual situation follow-ups would nonetheless be assisted.
Visitation stays allowed for inpatients between 2pm and 4pm, with guests suggested to make use of Gate 4.
Phaahla reiterated that whereas the 2 fires are thought of unrelated at this stage, investigations into each incidents are underway.
