Today, Thursday 6 February, Democratic Alliance KwaZulu-Natal Health Spokesperson, Dr Rishigen Viranna, MPL and DA eThekwini Caucus Leader/DA Ward 26 PR Councillor, Nicole Graham will conduct an oversight inspection at Addington Hospital. The visit comes as the hospitals lift crisis continues amid numerous complaints.
Addington is a multi-storey hospital providing vital emergency medical services to hundreds of thousands of people. Today’s inspection will see the DA evaluate the hospital lift system, infrastructure upgrades and contingency plans for patients, staff and visitors.
While the KZN Department of Health (DoH) has indicated that the current lift crisis is the cause of rain water ingress and electrical issues, the DA questions this explanation. According to the Department's own 2015-2019 Strategic Plan, R13million was allocated to 'upgrade/replace 5 Otis lifts, 2 Kone lifts and 7 Schindler lifts' at Addington Hospital. This after R12.5 million was allocated in 2015/16 and R400 000 in 2016/17. These upgrades/replacements should have rectified this recurring issue yet they seem to have been completely ineffective.
The DA has given notice to KZN’s Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu and her HOD of our intention to visit the hospital today. We expect to be allowed access.
Date: Thursday 6 February
Time: 10 am
Venue: Addington Hospital, 16 Erskine Terrace, South Beach, Durban
The DA will address the media after the inspection. There will be an opportunity for photo’s and interviews.
Media Enquiries
DA Media
Lauren Silen
Media Liaison to the DA in the KZN Legislature
083 7799009
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