In other instances, ambulances are unable to attend to emergencies as they can’t leave or enter facilities due to the blocking of entrances by striking workers. This is affecting the Gauteng Emergency Medical Services’ incident response time leading to delays in responding to distress calls from the public. 

The Department apologises for the inconvenience the situation is causing to patients including to family members who might be trying to reach them. We advise the public to use alternative facilities near them which are not affected. 

Despite the situation, care continues to be given to patients already in our facilities even with limited staff. 

Some of the facilities affected include, Helen Joseph Provincial Tertiary Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Bheki Mlangeni District Hospital in Johannesburg, Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital, Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, Goba Clinic, Magagula Clinic, in Ekurhuleni, Kopanong Hospital, Sebokeng Regional Hospital, Heidelberg District Hospital, Johan Heyns Community Health Centre, Levai Mbatha Community Health Centre, Sebokeng Zone 17 Clinic in Sedibeng, Leratong Regional Hospital, Carletonville District Hospital, West Rand District Hospital in West Rand. 

There has been reports of damage to property including a car that was set alight at one of the hospitals in the West Rand. Further action will be taken against those responsible for damaging property or endangering the lives of health workers and patients. 

The Department continues to monitor the environment. The law enforcement agencies are on site attending to the situation. 

Ends/ 

Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health