The Public Servants Association (PSA) is raising concerns about the dilapidated condition of Elim Hospital in Limpopo, which they claim poses a danger to both patients and hospital staff. Following a visit to the hospital on Wednesday, 19 July, the PSA is urgently calling on the Limpopo MEC for Health to address the problems.
According to Mr. John Teffo, the Limpopo PSA manager, certain parts of the hospital's buildings are on the verge of collapsing, creating a hazardous and unsuitable working environment for the staff, which violates the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The situation is particularly concerning for employees whose files are kept in an old administration building with visible cracks, risking damage from wind or rain.
One of the hospital employees, speaking anonymously to Limpopo Mirror, highlighted the danger posed by a roof that was repaired after a storm blew it off years ago but still remains hazardous to workers and patients.
Back in January, Limpopo Mirror had reported on water-related issues and conditions at various hospitals in the Vhembe region. The Limpopo Department of Health had responded by stating that they had written to the respective municipalities about the problems, warning that the hospitals might be forced to close because of the repercussions of the water challenges.
However, nearly six months later, no building inspection has been conducted by the Department of Employment and Labour, and Elim Hospital continues to face water challenges. The situation has forced the hospital staff to buy water for tea and use a bucket system in their toilets, which poses safety concerns.
Despite a media enquiry being sent to the Department of Employment and Labour on 26 July, no response has been received at the time of our going to press.