A major healthcare facility in Bloemfontein has again come under fire following renewed concerns over a significant orthopaedic surgery backlog.

Last week, a video surfaced showing frustrated patients staging protests at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein to draw attention to the dire conditions, prompting an oversight visit from the EFF in the Free State.

‘Witnessed alarming signs of inhumane treatment’

During their visit, the EFF alleged they witnessed alarming signs of inhumane treatment and gross neglect, including severe overcrowding, inadequate bedding, and patients being forced to sleep on the floor due to a lack of resources.

A video of patients in wheelchairs protesting at the hospital circulated on social media, bringing more attention to the situation. The protests reportedly lasted several days after patients requested a meeting with hospital management and were promised an audience with the chief financial officer, but the meeting never took place.

“We conducted an oversight visit at Pelonomi Hospital after receiving information from patients who have been here for six weeks, some even longer, struggling to get medical attention,” said EFF Provincial Chairperson and Education, Health and Social Services Portfolio Committee Chairperson Mapheule Liphoko.

“Some of them have been waiting for surgeries that have not been conducted. There were allegations that doctors had not been paid, there were no orthopaedic surgeons available, and a lack of basic medical supplies and equipment.

“We were confronted with an arrogant CEO who seems to operate in his own world, but for now, we are focused on addressing the urgent needs of these patients.”

Liphoko said many patients’ lives have been severely impacted, with some unable to return to work and others leaving young children at home. He emphasised the need for immediate medical attention for these patients and promised to address the broader issues at legislative level.

The hospital has been facing ongoing challenges for some time. The previous MEC for Health, now MEC for Social Development, Mathabo Leeto, had stated that the backlog of operations was due to a high demand for services, a shortage of specialists, and limited operating theatre time.

‘A critical shortage of nurses’

In early 2022, patients at Pelonomi Hospital, the province’s foremost trauma hospital, complained about long waits for surgery. A doctor, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that a critical shortage of nurses, particularly after hours and on weekends, has contributed to the backlog of orthopaedic operations.

The doctor highlighted these staffing issues exacerbate delays in patient care, causing frustration and suffering among those waiting for essential medical procedures.

OFM News contacted the department for a comment.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg