It's the same old, same old

14 August 2012 - 02:13 By Katharine Child
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Charlotte Maxeke hospital on Google Maps
Charlotte Maxeke hospital on Google Maps
Image: https://maps.google.co.za/

The Charlotte Maxeke hospital is no stranger to controversy. In 2010, six babies died from a virulent strain of gastro enterovirus.

An investigating team found there was "a lack of routine supplies such as roller towels or antiseptic sprays; without towels, adequate hand washing cannot take place; insufficient routine equipment such as thermometers ".

The inquiry found a shortage of staff to run the ward. "There were insufficient staff relative to the norms and requirements for safe care," said a press release on the health department's website.

Broken equipment since last year had caused multiple delays for cancer patients needing treatment. Suppliers responsible for maintaining the machines were not paid.

Machines to treat breast, colon and prostate cancer have broken down at various times. While the machines were fixed after a supplier was paid, patients' conditions worsened significantly after waiting for too long for treatment.

Three weeks ago, the hospital was without clean linen as the provincial department's laundry was not working.

Photos showed naked patients on beds. Lights sometimes go out while doctors operate and they use cellphone light.

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