TSHILIDZINI Hospital in Limpopo has been hit by a spate of burglaries and an invasion by packs of vicious stray dogs because of the apparent collapse of security infrastructure.

The situation is made worse by the general lack of the maintenance of the hospital precinct.

Part of the perimeter fence has collapsed and there is overgrown grass and shrubs which - according to staff - provide good cover for the criminals.

"The situation is becoming worse. We are now unable to attend to urgent medical situations at night from our residences because of fear of being attacked while walking to the trauma centre," a doctor who did not want to be named said.

Another staffer added: "There are stray dogs roaming around the hospital and we get attacked. We live in fear here because we can also be attacked inside the wards by criminals."

The criminals and stray dogs apparently gain access through open gaps on the tattered fence around the hospital. Staff members believe the dogs are attracted into the hospital by uncollected food garbage in the hospital.

All these come at a time when doctors and nurses are battling to deal with overcrowding at the hospital.

Provincial health spokesman, Joe Maile, confirmed that the security at the hospital "has been found wanting" and burglaries remain a matter of grave concern.

"We are trying to beef up security because we want all our staff members and state property to be protected," Maile said.

"The overgrown grass should be cut and the hospital management should really take the responsibility."

He said the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals has been approached to assist in dealing with stray dogs and "we also call on members of the community to help in keeping their dogs at home".