Note to Editors: Please note Dr Keeka, MPL sound bite in English
The DA in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) notes the recent oversight inspection by provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) MEC, Martin Meyer, at the RK Khan (RKK) hospital in Chatsworth.
We further note that the R58 million upgrade project is finally reaching conclusion despite being some 433 days over its original scheduled conclusion date of November 2023.
That the RK Khan upgrades are finally reaching an end is commendable and the DA welcomes this. The objective of the project was to upgrade the existing structure so that it provides for adequate services. This includes;
• Repairing and upgrading waterproofing the facility’s flat roof to ensure that it is free from water leaks.
• Internal renovations of the 3rd Floor Block D, Block E & CSSD (view before here and after here) to allow staff to work more effectively amid changing health needs, growing public expectations and to produce better health outcomes.
The project delays at RKK have caused immense inconvenience to patients, staff and management of the facility.
The nearby Clairwood Hospital has also had to step in and foster patients, with RKK patients transferred there for admission on a daily basis, using vital Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) resources. The knock-on effect is that instead of local ambulances being available for emergencies, they were busy ferrying patients from one hospital to another.
The situation has also led to doctors having to do ward rounds to see patients at two different hospitals and – where specialised services were only at RKK – patients being brought to and from the facility on multiple occasions.
That these massive inconveniences are finally coming to an end will no doubt be a relief for facility management, staff, patients and their families. It will also lift the burden on EMRS who will now be able to do their core work instead of being glorified taxis and it will take the burden off Clairwood Hospital staff.
The near completion of this project sees beautiful, modern-day wards that will not only have improved aesthetics, but where water will no longer leak onto patients’ heads. There will also be a smoother flow of services.
As part of KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the DA is committed to a whole-of-government environment that puts citizens first. This can only be demonstrated by sound political leadership within government departments, particularly those at the forefront of service delivery along with supporting departments – in this case, the important work that the DPWI does for KZN’s Department of Health.
The DA will unashamedly and diligently continue its rigorous oversight of government work to ensure a turnaround of the mess of the previous provincial governments.