Recently, in May 2025, several facilities experienced the visible effects of ageing infrastructure when breakdowns in the boiler system resulted in inconsistent supply of hot water.

However, the GDoH has contractors on stand-by to respond to emergencies andthey were able to attend to the distress calls at facilities which ensured that all affected facilities had hot water supply restored.

“The reality we are facing is that critical equipment such as boilers, chillers, heat pump, air conditioners, etc. are old and were not serviced appropriately for a long time. This is one of the reasons we have now capacitated the departmental infrastructure unit, so that it can implement the maintenance programme inhouse,”

explains MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko

adding that the department has set aside R100 million in the current financial year to recapitalise critical equipment across facilities.

At Bertha Gxowa Hospital, the hot water compressors that were malfunctioning, have since been repaired and serviced. Edenvale Hospital also faced challenges with the boiler system, but the necessary repairs have been completed. PretoriaWest Ho spital and Sterkfontein Hospital experienced leaking steam pipes, the

necessary replacement of calorifiers which have since been attended to.

At Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) the contractor has successfully repaired the calorifiers in block five. Similair challenges with calorifiers reported at Kalafong Hospital were also repaired and the issues are now resolved.

Meanwhile, Tambo Memorial Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital and Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital have access to hot water, the contractor is onsite conducting repairs of the problematic calorifiers.

Far East Rand Hospital also encountered difficulties with hot water, but a contractor has been dispatched to replace the aging calorifiers, which is expected to be complete by this weekend.

Renovations and machinery maintenance underway at CMJAH

Meanwhile, the department would like to alert the public about the renovations to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital’s mammography unit currently underway and expected to be completed by the end of July 2025.

In the interim, CMJAH has secured a mobile mammography unit (Pink Truck) to assist with screenings. Patients with scheduled appointments have been contacted, and alternative arrangements are being made where necessary.

Sonography and biopsy services will continue uninterrupted.

The hospital’s PET CT scanner has reached its end of service life, and a replacement unit has been procured, however, delivery is delayed. In the meantime, clinicians may use alternative investigation methods based on individual patient cases and use other diagnostic modalities as substitutes in certain situations.

Also, the CT scanner in the Emergency Department is currently undergoing repairs to restore full functionality. While this is being addressed, two fully operational CT scanners in Area 352 are being utilised to maintain seamless patient care.

CMJAH has implemented robust contingency plans to ensure that patient care remains uncompromised during these temporary service adjustments. The clinical teams are closely monitoring workflows to maintain efficiency.

The recapitalisation programme that is currently underway is instrumental in reducing future breakdowns and ensuring that critical equipment is prioritised in our maintenance plans.

The Department appreciate the public’s understanding while these challenges are actively being resolved.

Ends//

Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health