The Democratic Alliance provincial spokesperson on Health and Social Development, Gavin Edwards, says following an oversight visit at the hospital, it was discovered that the heat generated by the current system is not conducive to regulating the body temperatures of vulnerable patients. He says a full functioning heating system is crucial to especially safeguard premature babies and newborns from extreme cold weather conditions. Edwards says it is unacceptable that these babies are left at the mercy of a failing heating system to the extent that staff members are taking it upon themselves to bring extra blankets to ensure that the babies stay warm. The department is yet to comment.

“After an oversight visit to the hospital this week, we can attest to the fact that the heat generated by the current system is not conducive to regulating the body temperatures of vulnerable patients. In his State of the Province Address on Friday, Premier Job Mokgoro stated that three hospitals have been earmarked to receive new boilers to improve temperature regulation, but the Klerksdorp Hospital is not listed among them,” says Edwards. The DA says it will work with all stakeholders to ensure that health care in the province receives the necessary attention.

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