THE Eastern Cape health department has suspended the head of Bhisho Hospital after reports that patients were forced to bring their own sheets and blankets - and of shortages of soap.

THE Eastern Cape health department has suspended the head of Bhisho Hospital after reports that patients were forced to bring their own sheets and blankets - and of shortages of soap.

"Today, Bhisho Hospital head Nontumekelelo Manqina was put on precautionary suspension for alleged dereliction of duty," it said yesterday.

"The department will not allow laziness and dereliction of duty by managers to compromise service delivery to our people. Managers who fail will have their heads rolling."

The shortages occurred despite the hospital's R69million budget.

Less than a week ago a director responsible for emergency services was suspended for alleged abuse of an air ambulance.

The department said it was also probing reports that X-ray machines at a number of district hospitals were dysfunctional due to lack of maintenance. - Sapa