SOWETAN SAYS | Act on systemic failures in hospitals

The recent investigation into Helen Joseph Hospital has laid bare the severe mismanagement and systemic neglect that has plagued this critical healthcare institution.

The findings, published after a comprehensive probe by the Health Ombudsman and the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC), revealed deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate staffing, financial mismanagement, and a lack of leadership. With intermittent water supply, broken equipment, and overcrowded wards, the hospital’s condition is not just concerning – it is untenable.

This investigation highlights the ongoing crisis within Gauteng’s public healthcare system and underscores the provincial health department’s chronic failure.

Just two years ago, a similar investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of neglect at another Gauteng healthcare institution – Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital. A viral video in 2022 showed heavily pregnant women forced to sleep on the floor, sparking public outrage. The health ombud report painted a horrifying picture of overcrowding, filthy conditions, and the absence of critical medical resources at the hospital.

Unfortunately, the department’s slow response to address these issues at Rahima Moosa leaves little hope that the challenges at Helen Joseph will be handled with urgency and adequately.

The issues at the two institutions are not isolated, but highlight deeper, systemic failures within the Gauteng health department. For example, Helen Joseph has had four acting CEOs in five years, leading to leadership instability.

Severe understaffing and unfilled nursing posts have left an overworked, demoralised workforce struggling to meet patient needs. Even basic services like delivering meals have been jeopardised due to financial mismanagement and non-payment to suppliers.

In the case of Rahima Moosa, findings revealed that its former CEO spent 182 days away from the hospital for over two years, further undermining the institution’s management. While some steps have been taken, the hospital is still grappling with the same conditions that have led to its repeated failures.

The department’s response at both hospitals has been woefully inadequate, illustrating a pattern of inaction. Delays in addressing Rahima Moosa’s issues, combined with ongoing problems at Helen Joseph, show the department has failed to learn from past mistakes. Identifying problems is not enough, decisive action is urgently needed.

The lack of decisive action to address leadership instability, infrastructure decay and ethical misconduct suggests a department struggling to reform and prioritise patient welfare.

The time to act is now. We need decisive action to restore Gauteng hospitals to their rightful place in public health. The department must appoint permanent, qualified CEOs, invest in infrastructure, address staffing shortages, and enforce strict financial controls.

Gauteng residents deserve reliable and compassionate healthcare.