If it's not loadshedding, it's cable theft putting patients' lives are at a constant risk. Electricity and water supply at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital has been an an area of concern for the biggest hospital in the southern hemisphere. In two separate incidents cables were stolen which affected the cooling system in wards as well as the adequate flow of oxygen inthe Intensive care unit (ICU).

THEFT AND ATTEMPTED MURDER

On Monday morning staffers at the  hospital discovered that there was minimal flow of oxygen into theICU. It is said that clinicians then reported the matter to the Department ofInfrastructure Development who did a maintenance check and realised that an electrical cable had been stolen. The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has called for the police to leave no stone unturned and make sure that the  criminals who put patients’ lives at risk are apprehended. "The people who stole the copper pipe should not just be charged for theft but also with attempted murder. They intentionally put the lives of 24 patients at risk, 19 of whom were on life support and depended on access to oxygen through artificial ventilation,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

DISRUPTIONS

She said the patients were fortunate because they  were immediately transferred to another ward where ventilation was continued. "A contractor was immediately called on site and the copper pipe has since been replaced. The process to move patients backinto the main ICU will commence soon " said the MEC. Meanwhile the health department spokesman Motalatale Modiba, said nurses working in two theatres complained about  disruptions with the water supply.