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- The SIU was asked to probe shortcomings at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital.
- One of the recommendations was that the Health MEC appoints an independent audit firm.
- The process of converting the hospital into a tertiary hospital has commenced.
The Gauteng premier's office has requested that the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) conduct an investigation at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, which relates to some of the matters raised by the health ombud.
This was revealed by Health Minister Joe Phaahla in response to parliamentary questions on Monday – and the matter was also addressed in the Gauteng legislature.
The EFF's Naledi Chirwa asked Phaahla whether any action had been taken following the ombud's recommendations – and, if so, what the action was.
In March this year, a report by the health ombud's office revealed that expectant mothers at the hospital were sleeping on the floor.
It also found that the hospital's chief executive officer, Dr Nozuko Mkabayi, was not working full-time. She had only spent 182 days at the hospital after being appointed on January 2021.
READ | The sick state of SA's public healthcare: Watchdog blasts Gauteng's 'Mickey Mouse-led' health dept
It was recommended that the head of the Gauteng health department should ensure a permanent CEO was identified and appointed as a matter of priority - within three months.
The report into the management of the hospital also recommended that the department review its human resource processes for the appointment of hospital CEOs.
The health ombud said the department needed to prioritise the refurbishment of the facility's infrastructure.
It also called on the provincial government to address leadership and governance issues at the hospital.
Phaahla said Mkabayi had been transferred to the provincial health department for the duration of her contract.
He said:
In a letter, which the premier's office sent to the health department last month, the MEC was advised that the SIU was asked to investigate matters at the hospital.
Nkomo-Ralehoko said the hospital had been included in its priority hospital programme.
"A schedule has been included in the priority hospital programme. A schedule of maintenance works to be carried out has been identified, and initial funds are available to start immediately. Specifications are being prepared for the tenders, so that service providers can be appointed. The hospital has also received a budget for minor maintenance," she said.
"The process of converting the hospital to a tertiary hospital has commenced. The acting head of the department has established a diverse oversight committee to work with him in providing oversight and monitoring of the implementation of the plan and other quality improvements plans across all service platforms."
READ | Ebrahim Harvey: Rahima Moosa report shines light on sad, sickening state of our public hospitals
The DA's Jack Bloom said the key to further progress was whether a strong CEO would be appointed soon - and that the CEO was given the resources to fundamentally improve the hospital, so as to provide a decent service to mothers and children.
"I will continue to monitor the progress of implementing the health ombud's recommendations and hold the MEC to account for any backsliding," he said.
