Used bedpans and dirty plates
2000-08-25 18:46
Pretoria - Urgent "corrective measures" were taken recently in the special diet kitchen of 1 Military Hospital after two used bedpans were found in a washing up sink.
According to Major Louis Kirstein, spokesperson for the defence force, allegations that the contents of the bedpans were found in prepared food, were untrue.
Kirstein said the automatic industrial dishwasher at the hospital was defective and the dishes had to be washed by hand. The supervisor noticed something was wrong while the dishes were being washed. Two used bedpans were found at the bottom of the sink containing the dishwashing water.
"Corrective measures were immediately taken and food that had already been distributed on to the crockery, was withdrawn. The dishwashing process was stopped and everything was sterilised. Fresh food was then prepared.
"The incident was restricted to the special diet kitchen where only a small percentage of the total meals for the hospital is prepared.
"The incident did not affect the rest of the hospital and was also confined to the crockery and not the prepared food. It is suspected that the bedpans were mistakenly brought, together with saucepans, from a ward to the kitchen. The dangers have been pointed out to all sections and the situation is now being handled carefully and with great circumspection."
Allegations of used hypodermic syringes being found in some of the hospital's food, have also been investigated, revealed Kirstein.
"No one has been able to confirm this, up to now"
he said.
Kirstein confirmed allegations of theft from the hospital.
"Linen, food and medicine were concentrated on."
In May this year the orthopaedic laboratory at the old military hospital was broken into twice and stores, including computers valued at about R200 000, were stolen.
"Military police are investigating the matter."
Various people have already been arrested in connections with the incidents. Kirsten said there was a noticeable decrease in theft of late which could be ascribed to a stricter crime prevention programme which had been put in place.