Question NW2749 to the Minister of Health
15 December 2020 - NW2749
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Health
In light of the fact that the Connie Vorster Hospital in Hartswater, in the Northern Cape has a shortage of staff and patients cannot get help on time, while it also caters for Hartswater, Jan Kempdorp and Pampierstad and at times Warrenton (details furnished), on what date is it envisaged that his department will assist the specified hospital to be able to operate at full capacity to ensure that patients get the help they want without delays?
Reply:
According to the Northern Cape Provincial Department of Health, the Compensation of Employee budget has been cut by R276 million in the adjustment budget, thus the Department’s plans for the full operationalization of hospitals (including Connie Vorster Hospital) could not be implemented.
Nevertheless, in line with a path towards the full implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) in the Province, District hospitals in the Province have been established as the Centre of our CUPS. As a result, Connie Vorster Hospital is designated to be the Main Health Facility for the Phokwane and Magareng CUP which will include Pampierstad, Jan Kempdorp, Hartswater and Warrenton.
Even though it is envisaged that Connie Vorster Hospital will be NHI ready by 2026, an improvement Plan for the Hospital that includes the establishment of a proper Management Structure has already been set in motion. Currently, a Nursing Service Manager as well as a Clinical Manager have been appointed. Again in the past few months 6 Sessional Nurses have been sourced to assist the Hospital to improve service delivery.
There is further recruitment process underway to fill another 8 vacant funded clinical posts and 6 non-clinical posts on contract basis. It is envisaged that they will commence duty by January 2021.
END.