/ 24 August 2009

Large backlog at Charlotte Maxeke hospital, says DA

A total of 1 567 patients are awaiting surgery at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, the Democratic Alliance said on Monday.

A total of 1 567 patients are awaiting surgery at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, the Democratic Alliance said on Monday.

Most of these patients would have to wait six months for their operations, which could lead to complications or death, spokesperson Jack Bloom said in a statement.

Among those waiting were 1 000 patients needing cataract surgery, 138 needing hip, knee and spinal surgery, and 85 waiting for heart surgery.

Bloom said he received the numbers in a written reply from provincial health minister Qedani Mahlangu.

”According to Mahlangu, operations are delayed due to unavailability of anaesthetists, shortage of ICU nurses and the high volume of operations. The hospital is short of 11 anaesthetists, which led to 32 delayed operations in May, June and July this year.”

Gauteng health spokesperson Mandla Sidu was not immediately able to comment. — Sapa