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Port Alfred Hospital severely short-staffed

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Dear Editor

Port Alfred Hospital is grappling with a severe staff shortage as vacant, funded posts remain unfilled due to governmental cost-cutting measures in the Eastern Cape. The pressure on the remaining staff is unsustainable, and medical equipment urgently requires repair and maintenance. Critical life-saving items, known as Non-Negotiable Vitals (NNV’s), which are mandatory and can save lives such as Automated Electronic Defibrillators, must be supplied immediately to meet the hospital’s operational needs.

The ripple effect of these cost-cutting measures extends beyond Port Alfred Hospital. Patients across the province are increasingly forced to seek treatment at tertiary hospitals, such as Frere and Livingstone, for illnesses that should be handled at primary healthcare facilities. This not only places further strain on the already stretched tertiary hospitals but also exacerbates costs as treating patients in these settings is significantly more expensive.

I have written to the Premier, urgently requesting that the filling of vacant funded posts be prioritised, particularly in primary healthcare facilities like Port Alfred Hospital. Furthermore, I will call for increased investment in essential medical equipment to ensure hospitals across the province can deliver effective care.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will continue advocating for a reallocation of resources, including a review of non-essential public entities and agencies in the province. Dissolving these costly, underperforming entities would free up funds for the health sector, ensuring that critical services like those at Port Alfred Hospital are adequately resourced.

Additionally, I have suggested that the Premier consider leasing unused buildings on the Port Alfred Hospital grounds to the private sector as a means to generate income to bolster the hospital’s healthcare services.

Government must be more agile in collaborating with the private sector going forward and Port Alfred hospital offers a perfect platform for this type of collaboration.

When Health fails, our people die. Elaborate long term financial recovery plans do not keep patients alive.

The DA remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting for a well-resourced healthcare system, where healthcare professionals have the staff and tools they need to save lives. Investment in healthcare is an investment in the health and wellbeing of the people of this province. There should be no higher priority.

Regards

Jane Cowley MPL
DA Shadow MEC for Health

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Port Elizabethan

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