Gauteng Department of Health Denies Allegations of Hospital Patients Sleeping on Plastic Covers

Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health has voiced its “disappointment” over misleading claims made by Gauteng Member of the Provincial Legislature Dr. Jack Bloom, who asserted that patients at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital are using plastic covers instead of proper bedding.

Dr. Bloom, serving as the Democratic Alliance Shadow Health MEC, commented: “Patients at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital in Soweto are still being made to sleep on plastic, two months after I raised the issue of the laundry crisis.”

He underscored the ongoing problem, stating patients continue to rest on plastic two months post his initial revelation of the hospital’s laundry troubles.

“I was taken aback to learn this following further complaints from individuals within the hospital,” Dr. Bloom remarked.

“Patients are bringing in their own blankets for warmth, which increases the risk of infection,” he noted.

“The situation arises from damaged linen that was stockpiled, as the laundry machines at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital are currently out of operation.”

In response, the Gauteng Department of Health affirmed that the image shared by Dr. Bloom does not accurately depict the conditions at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital.

“The facility does not contain wards with the colors or flooring seen in the photos,” the department explained.

“Contrary to the claims, Bheki Mlangeni Hospital has an adequate supply of clean linen available in its institutional linen bank to cater to the needs of various wards.”

“Previously, the hospital relied on laundry services from Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital; however, due to capacity constraints, Dunswart Laundries is now responsible for cleaning the linen with three deliveries each week, ensuring patient care remains unaffected.”

The department noted that, given the chilly winter nights, some patients may prefer to bring additional blankets upon admission.

“This does not indicate a deficiency of linen at the facility,” the department stressed.

“Any patient who claims they are sleeping on plastic mattress covers in any of our facilities is encouraged to report their concerns to management or the quality assurance office.”

“It is shocking and unacceptable for a public representative to distort facts to mislead the public rather than contribute positively to the communities they serve.”

The department confirmed that it is actively working to resolve the laundry machinery issues across all provincial hospitals.

“An investment of R50 million has been earmarked for upgrading and replacing essential equipment and machinery across all hospitals,” the department concluded.