Question NW791 to the Minister of Health

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11 April 2016 - NW791

Profile picture: Redelinghuys, Mr MH

Redelinghuys, Mr MH to ask the Minister of Health

(1) How many ambulances are currently (a) operational and (b) not operational at the Odi District Hospital in Mabopane Gauteng; (2) whether there are any plans to acquire additional ambulances for use by the specified hospital; if not, why not; if so, (a) how many ambulances will be acquired and (b) what are the timeframes in this regard; (3) what are the average waiting times at the specified hospital for (a) trauma patients classified as (i) green, (ii) yellow and (iii) red, (b) out-patients referred from clinics waiting to see a doctor, and (c) out-patients for an appointment to see a doctor?

Reply:

(1) (a) and (b)

The number of ambulances indicated below serve Mabopane, Ga-rankuwa, Winterveldt and Soshanguve. These ambulances are stationed next to Odi Hospital and serve Odi and Dr George Mukhari Hospitals, all clinics, all Community Health Centres in the Northern Sub-district of Tshwane including house calls.

Type of Vehicles

Number of Allocated Vehicles

Number Operational

Number Not Operational

Ambulances

13

8

5 at workshop

Obstetrics Vehicle

2

1

1 at workshop

Response Vehicle

2

2

0

Planned Patient Transport

4

2

2 at workshop

Rescue Vehicle

1

1

0

Logistic Vehicle

1

0

1 at workshop

TOTAL

23

14

9

(2) (a) Approval has been granted for 7 ambulances to be procured in the 2016/2017 financial year, i.e. 2 Obstetrics and 5 Ambulances. The new ambulances will replace ambulances identified for disposal and to add to the existing fleet.

(b) Ambulance procurement will be completed by the second quarter of 2016/2017.

(3) The average waiting time is as follows:

(a) (i) trauma - green - 57 minutes

(ii) trauma – yellow - 18 minutes

(iii) trauma - red - 13 minutes

(b) OPD referred from clinics - 65 minutes

(c) OPD follow up - 48 minutes

CHALLENGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF WAITING TIMES

  • There is is a general population growth in the surrounding areas.
  • Odi District Hospital serves both Gauteng and North West communities and the communities are growing.
  • There are a growing number of self-referrals, hence the OPD overflows daily and this affects waiting time.
  • There is no regional or tertiary hospital between Odi and DGMA hospital, hence referral to a higher level becomes a challenge and the hospital is required to manage the many patients it cannot refer.
  • Patients are reluctant to use the nearby clinics and return to the hospital despite being referred to their respective clinic.
  • Most patients with chronic conditions come to the hospital after hours to use the Emergency Centre instead of the OPD during the day; hence the higher patient load and impact on the Emergency Centre.
  • Patients with chronic conditions who attend the Emergency Centre after hours complain about long waiting time because acutely ill or injured patients are given priority attention.
  • Turnover of clinical and nursing staff is high as they are attracted to higher level hospitals or resign due to pension and this also impacts negatively on waiting time.
  • Space in the Emergency Centres and OPD is limited due to infrastructural challenges. Consulting rooms are few so patients cannot be accommodated in comfort while waiting.

END.

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