Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) has expressed concern about repeated fires at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Gauteng.
This comes after Tembisa Hospital, the second fire attack in the main outpatient department on Wednesday. The smoke spread to the ophthalmology clinic and nearby pharmacies, affecting the area that was first cleared from Saturday’s fire.
This includes the surgical outpatient department, medical outpatient department, family medicine and management blocks intended to serve as an alternative accident and emergency service area.
According to OHSC, the director of monitoring and ensuring the health and safety of healthcare services users, these incidents pose potential risks to the safety of both patients and staff.
“These cases raise significant alarms regarding safety protocols and emergency preparation, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive assessment of patients, visitors, staff and facilities to ensure the safety of Temisa tertiary hospital facilities,” the statement issued by the OHSC said.
The office said all health facilities must prioritize patient safety and security, especially in emergencies.
“Health facilities must ensure that the system is in compliance with health regulations and promote a safe environment for everyone in care.”
The OHSC said it would send a team of inspectors to conduct risk-based inspections as a fact-finding measure to establish the situation surrounding the two fire cases.
“Risk-based testing is triggered and performed based on ad hoc, particularly depending on the risks identified in the healthcare facility.
“Given that there is already a winter season, this test allows OHSCs to develop informed recommendations aimed at establishing possible root causes and reducing the risk of fire incidents in healthcare facilities.”
OHSC urges all health facilities and providers to regularly review safety protocols and emergency response plans to avoid similar outbreaks and to maintain the integrity of their healthcare systems and protection of users of their health services.
On Wednesday, Deputy Health Minister Dr. Joe Farrah reassured the public that services will continue despite the second fire incident at Tembisa Hospital’s main outpatient department.
