​Thembisa Shologu
The Department of Health has advised patients in Tembisa and its surrounding areas to start at their local clinics for medical care or treatment and only come to the hospital with referrals.
Following the recent fire that broke out at Tembisa Hospital's Accident and Emergency Department, the department has encouraged the public to follow the changes to facilitate better access to services.  
The department has reported that 81 patients were initially received in the Accident and Emergency Unit, two were immediately sent to the Intensive Unit, one to High Care, four were discharged, 17 were Transferred to other hospitals, and 50 were admitted to the hospital's Antenatal Unit.
About seven patients walked out of the hospital when they saw the fire, and no fatalities were reported. 
"At this moment, no one knows the cause of the fire incident. Several investigations are underway by various institutions as required by law and their response mandates.
"The fire has been extinguished, and other parts of the hospital continue to operate normally. However, the hospital remains on divert and is not receiving new emergency cases for now. 
"I emphasise that the fire's origin is still under investigation. We await the official forensic report and will keep the public informed of all findings," said MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. 
The Accident and Emergency Unit will remain closed until further notice is received, the areas are restored, and the prohibition notice is lifted.
The department apologised for the inconvenience d caused and requested patience and cooperation during this period. 
"We will restore the damaged unit. We will continue caring for our patients and communicating openly and honestly as we recover.
"There is a business continuity plan in place to ensure the continual functionality of the hospital despite the incident," said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
All patients and visitors are advised to use Gate 4, and visiting hours remain 14:00-16:00