The Gauteng Department of Health has noted with disappointment the misleading
statement in the media by Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Dr Jack Bloom
alleging that patients at Bheki Mlangeni Hospital are sleeping on mattress plastic covers
for two months.
The pictures shared with the media by Dr Bloom are not a true depiction of the reality at
Bheki Mlangeni Hospital. The facility has no wards with the similar paints or floors as
depicted in the photos.
Contrary to the claims made, Bheki Mlangeni Hospital currently has enough clean linen
in the institutional linen bank to cover all the demands from various wards. Previously,
the hospital relied on Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital’s laundry services but
due to capacity challenges to meet the increased demand for laundry services, Dunswart
Laundries have been assisting Bheki Mlangeni Hospital to clean the linen with three
deliveries every week, ensuring that patient care is not compromised.
Given the cold winter nights, it is a norm that some patients would prefer bringing extra
blankets to hospitals when admitted. This does not imply that there is a shortage of linen
at the hospital. Any patient who claim to be sleeping on plastic mattress covers at any of
our facilities are advised to lodge their complaints with the management or with the quality
assurance office.
It is shocking and uncalled for that a public representative would distort facts to mislead
the public in this manner rather than using their position to positively impact on the
communities they represent.
The department is actively working on addressing the laundry machinery challenges
across all hospitals in the province. An investment of R50 million was set aside to upgrade
and replace critical equipment and machinery which requires an overhaul in all hospitals.
Ends//
Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health 