Staff shortage blamed for Gauteng surgical backlog
The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa says the confirmation of a huge surgical backlog in Gauteng hospitals vindicates the issues it had been raising.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed in the legislature that some 34,000 patients were waiting for surgery in Gauteng public hospitals.
The hospitals with the largest waiting lists are Steve Biko, with over 6,700 patients, followed by Chris Hani Baragwanath, with 6,200, George Mukhari with 5,300, and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital, with over 3,300 patients on the waiting list.
Other hospitals with long waiting lists include Sebokeng Hospital, Helen Joseph, Mamelodi, Kalafong, Tembisa, Leratong, and Thelle Mogoerane Hospital.
Denosa’s Gauteng secretary Bongani Mazibuko said the situation is often exacerbated by the shortage of staff.
"A shortage of staff and shortage of equipment is not a myth, but a reality, and staff that is not fully trained in theatre in terms of nursing staff, and availability of doctors as well.
"So we feel vindicated that what we've been saying is actually been proven, and it's confirmed by the department now."
Meanwhile, the DA's Jack Bloom estimates that the real waiting list for all 37 hospitals is probably about 40,000 due to budget cuts and staffing shortages.
"The MEC blames the long waiting times on the high turnover of patients to Gauteng province, and the burden of trauma that takes preference over elective cases,” he said.
"She also admits that load shedding and water shortages lead to cancellations and postponements of surgery."
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