It is horrible inside, broken operating theatres, load-shedding, and linen shortages to mention but few are being blamed for an astoundingly 3029 patients waiting for surgery at the Sebokeng Hospital.

This shocking revelation was revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom’s questions in the Gauteng Legislature. This was According to the source who told the reporter.today.

According to Nkomo-Ralehoko, the breakdown for surgery is as follows:

• 2250 cataract patients wait for 9 months.

• 544 patients wait 3 years for hip and knee joint surgery.

• 133 urology patients are waiting for 9 months.

• 52 orthopaedics patients waiting for two months.

The operational state of the theatres is described as “preposterous”, with algae growing on peeling walls. Infection risk is increased because of broken chillers to keep the heat down, and broken autoclaves used to sterilize instruments. Other challenges are dysfunctional theatre lights and linen shortages.

In addition to poor maintenance, there are 48 vacancies in the surgical department, including 26 nursing posts, 4 medical officer posts, and 4 cleaner and 4 porter posts. The hospital is also short of one anaesthetist and one specialist surgeon.

Submitted by: Cornelius D. Mofokeng.