Helen Joseph Hospital shocks with R98m oversight

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29-11-2024
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Northcliff Melville Times
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Discover the shocking financial mismanagement at Helen Joseph Hospital, where R98m remains unspent amid crumbling infrastructure and an urgent need for effective leadership.

In a shocking revelation, Helen Joseph Hospital has failed to utilise R98m of its budget allocated for machinery and equipment over the past five years.

According to Jack Bloom, MPL and DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for health, this information was disclosed by Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in response to inquiries made in the Gauteng Legislature.

From the responses by Ralehoko, Bloom attests that between April 2019 and March this year a total of R262m was earmarked for machinery and equipment, yet only R164m was spent, highlighting significant financial mismanagement within the institution.

The hospital, which has been serving the community for over 70 years, is in dire need of upgrades.

Reports indicate that essential infrastructure, including water systems, wards, and air handling units, require urgent attention. “Additionally, there are currently 32 vacancies in administration and support staff, but the department has frozen all posts, further complicating the hospital’s operational challenges.”

He said that in addressing concerns about the deteriorating conditions, including unmaintained toilets and bathrooms, the department cited a, ‘shortfall in funding’, as a major barrier to preventative maintenance.

They also pointed to delays from their infrastructure partner and issues such as vandalism, which have exacerbated the situation. The hospital’s plight has gained widespread attention, particularly following a viral video by former broadcaster Tom London, which showcased the poor conditions and inadequate staff attitudes faced by patients, according to Bloom.

This has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the public. Bloom expressed his dismay at the hospital’s financial oversight.

“The failure to spend R98m is shocking and shows poor financial management. It is also inexcusable that the hospital has not had a permanent CEO since May last year. A top-notch CEO should be appointed as soon as possible to properly spend the R1.7b budget, as well as provide sorely needed leadership at this long-neglected hospital,” Bloom stated.

As the community deals with the implications of these revelations, the urgent need for effective leadership and financial accountability at Helen Joseph Hospital has never been clearer.

The situation calls for immediate action to restore the hospital’s functionality and ensure that it can adequately serve the needs of its patients.

The Northcliff Melville Times did approach the spokesperson of Helen Joseph Hospital for comment, however none was forthcoming by the time of going to print.