Clean linen shortage forces cancellation of over 80 operations in Gauteng hospitals

A clean linen shortage has resulted in the cancellation of approximately 81 operations in hospitals across Gauteng, according to Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. Responding to inquiries from the DA’s Jack Bloom, Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed that 23 out of 34 public hospitals in Gauteng have experienced shortages since January last year, leading to disrupted surgeries and increased infection risks for patients. According to News24, the shortages were due to various factors, including broken washing machines at Masakhane Laundry and insufficient deliveries from Dunswart Laundry. These issues, boiler breakdowns, water shortages, and payment problems, have significantly impacted the availability of clean linen.

As a result of the clean linen shortages, theatre operation times have been severely affected, leading to cancellations, postponements, and delays in the operating theatres. Nkomo-Ralehoko expressed concern over the compromised infection control and revealed that some wards could not change bedding on time, forcing patients to wear their pyjamas and clothing.

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Helen Joseph Hospital was particularly hard hit, experiencing shortages of scrubs, gowns, drapes, sheets, pyjamas, nightdresses, towels, blankets, and pillowcases.

Jack Bloom pointed out that production problems at Dunswart and Masakhane provincial laundries, which public hospitals are obligated to use, have caused linen shortages in many hospitals. While some hospitals have resorted to private laundries, there are claims that the Gauteng health department prohibits their use. Bloom emphasised the need to review the continued operation of poorly managed and expensive provincial laundries, suggesting that hospital managers should be free to establish cost-efficient arrangements with reliable suppliers to ensure optimal patient care.

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Picture: Facebook / Gauteng Health Department

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