The Health Department’s spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, told OFM News the process is not only controlled by the department but is also subjected to consultation with the Department of Labour and other stakeholders. Mvambi said the department hopes there are no challenges regarding getting the identified ward ready to start operating by Monday, as there were none reported over the weekend.

“Previously, we have been failed by suppliers who were inflating prices, and our supply chain management detected the price ranges were not market-related. On Friday, the right prices have been established and the right suppliers were appointed to do the work. We expected them to work over the weekend, but we still have to check on their progress today. Those who must certify the work - mainly being the office of the CEO at the Pelonomi Hospital - must then certify the work and say if it is according to the expected standard.”

Mvambi said as soon as the ward has been certified and approved, mental health patients will be moved from the medical ward [M3] on the hospital’s third floor, to the identified ward where they will be safe.

OFM News previously reported that the Free State Department of Health has reportedly requested three weeks to resolve issues regarding the treatment of psychiatric patients at the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital.

ALSO READ Psychiatric medical patients allegedly share wards at Pelonomi

More: Staff members at the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital in Bloemfontein were on a go-slow as they were refusing to treat psychiatric patients.

ALSO READ: Staff refusing to treat psychiatric patients on go-slow

OFM News/Mpho Mohapi