Gauteng hospitals experiencing surgery backlogs MyZA

The provincial Department of Health is working hard to address backlogs in surgeries at central and tertiary hospitals in Gauteng, says MEC for Health Hope Papo.

“We have already engaged some of our public health institutions to assess the possibility of them performing non-complicated cases to free up time for complicated surgery as well as extending operating hours beyond 4pm, including working on Saturdays,” said Papo.

Gauteng hospitals conduct an average of 2000 surgical operations a month, however, the hospitals are experiencing backlogs in surgeries due to limited theatre time, surgeon time, insufficient Intensive Care Unit beds and booked patients who do not honour appointments.

Papo said on Tuesday that limited resources and lack of cooperation from patients sometimes necessitated that operations should be deferred.

“For example, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, has deferred the following operations – 34 paediatrics, 42 surgical, 22 obstetrics and gynaecology, 18 orthopaedics patients, 30 neurosurgery and 25 cardiac surgeries

“The hospital has a total of 132 patients waiting for paediatric surgery, 272 for neurosurgery, 33 spine epidurals, 21 spine degeneration, 31 spine deformity, 187 hip replacement, 317 knee replacement, 300 cardiothoracic (paediatrics), 220 cardiothoracic adults as well as 67 for ear nose and throats,” said Papo.

Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital has deferred operations as well – a total of 50 patients are waiting for hepatobiliary, 150 colorectal, 80 breasts, 9 burns, 11 vascular, 108 general surgeries, 220 orthopaedic and 2548 ophthalmology patients waiting for cataract operations.

In April this year, Baragwanath entered into a partnership with Mediclinic through which Mediclinic assisted to reduce the waiting list by conducting some operations.

“As we continue with the implementation of the turnaround strategy of the department, I am confident that we will succeed in bringing down surgical backlogs and waiting times in Gauteng hospitals. The department has a plan in place to deal with the situation, this includes prioritising emergency cases and improving the management of hospital units/departments,” said the MEC.

Papo said while the surgical operations conducted are evidently more than those that are postponed, officials were trying their utmost best to ensure that all patients receive treatment when it is due.

The Department’s Turnaround Strategy for 2012 – 2014 amongst others seeks to address key issues such as staff shortage, repairs and/or purchasing of medical equipment and the issue of budgetary constraints in Gauteng health institutions. – SAnews.gov.za