Tembisa Hospital fire: Stroke patient among dozens left in limbo

JOHANNESBURG - An elderly stroke patient is among dozens left in limbo after two fires broke out at Tembisa Hospital, leaving questions about when or if they’ll receive the care they desperately need.

The first fire, over the weekend, torched the emergency unit.

Then, just before dawn this morning, another blaze erupted in the outpatient section, destroying an unconfirmed number of patient files.

Ekurhuleni Emergency Services moved quickly to contain the flames and launched efforts to recover whatever documentation they could from the charred remains.

It’s been a chaotic start to the week, and it’s the patients who are paying the price.

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Outpatients, in particular, are bearing the brunt.

Still reeling from the weekend fire, many arrived early on Wednesday morning, only to be sent from pillar to post as hospital staff scrambled to restore services.

Alfred Maseka (77), who suffered a stroke on Friday, says the experience has been nothing short of a nightmare.

“Well, I was admitted on Friday, but I came yesterday, no help, Monday no help, Sunday no help. They said certain sections of the hospital are operational, but we don’t see that.”

Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko are expected to brief the media shortly on the extent of the damage and a possible way forward.