Protector impressed with hospital

2010-10-15 17:12

Johannesburg - Despite a lack of resources at Johannesburg's Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, Deputy Public Protector Mamiki Shai was impressed with its service during a surprise visit on Friday.

"My impression was that in spite of it not having sufficient resources, the hospital is doing reasonably well and out-patients are attended to immediately," she told Sapa afterwards.

"I moved around to different wards and found the hospital to be well organised, there were no queues and I am happy with the cleanliness."

Shai, accompanied by several heads of department, made an unannounced visit at the hospital before midday as part of the public protector good governance week.

She said the casualty, trauma and baby wards were doing well with just minor difficulties.

However she found that there were only 35 cubicles for premature babies and that another ward was needed for them.

Cramped

"Can you imagine being cramped up in one ward.

"I spoke to them (the staff) about services and their main issue was resources," she said.

Shai said patients she interviewed seemed to be aware of how, where and who to complain to if there was a problem.

"People were generally happy with the hospital," she said.

The aim of the governance week was to check on delivery, interact with recipients of government services, and help government adhere to good governance.

The week was also used to raise awareness of the existence of the office of the protector and bring it closer to the people.

Shai said more visits were planned for hospitals and schools.

- SAPA