Gauteng Health Department Denies Allegations of Hospital Patients Sleeping on Plastic Covers
Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health has voiced its “disappointment” over misleading remarks made by Gauteng Member of the Provincial Legislature Dr. Jack Bloom, who alleged that patients at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital are resting on plastic covers without adequate bedding.
Dr. Bloom, the Democratic Alliance Shadow Health MEC, remarked: “Patients at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto are still forced to sleep on plastic, two months after I highlighted the laundry crisis.”
He reiterated the situation, asserting that patients continue to sleep on plastic two months after his initial revelation of the hospital’s laundry troubles.
“I was stunned to discover this following further complaints from individuals at the hospital,” Dr. Bloom stated.
“Patients are bringing their own blankets for warmth, which increases the risk of infection,” he added.
“The problem arises from damaged linen stored in large piles, as the laundry machines at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital are currently non-functional.”
In response, the Gauteng Department of Health stated that the image shared by Dr. Bloom does not accurately portray the conditions at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital.
“The facility does not have wards with the colors or flooring shown in the photos,” the department clarified.
“Contrary to the claims, Bheki Mlangeni Hospital has an adequate supply of clean linen in its institutional linen bank to cater to the needs of various wards.”
“Previously, the hospital relied on laundry services from Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital; however, due to capacity challenges, Dunswart Laundries has been involved in laundering the linen with three deliveries each week to ensure patient care is uninterrupted.”
The department explained that given the chilly winter nights, it is common for some patients to choose to bring extra blankets when admitted.
“This does not imply a shortage of linen at the facility,” the department stressed.
“Any patient who claims they are sleeping on plastic mattress covers in our facilities is encouraged to report their concerns to management or the quality assurance office.”
“It is shocking and unacceptable for a public representative to distort facts to mislead the public instead of positively contributing to the communities they serve.”
The department confirmed that it is actively working on resolving laundry machinery issues across all provincial hospitals.
“An investment of R50 million has been allocated for upgrading and replacing essential equipment and machinery across all hospitals,” the department concluded.