Gauteng Health Dept denies chaos at Steve Biko Hospital following power shutdown

The Gauteng Health Department has denied media reports about mayhem at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, following a temporary power shutdown.  

It was reported earlier this week that critically ill patients were forced to seek medical help from nearby facilities due to the chaotic manner in which the power outage was handled.  

In a statement released on Thursday, the department has clarified that meetings were held before the power shutdown to allow for the upgrade of electrical systems.  

Steve Biko Academic Hospital CEO Lehlohonolo Majake-Mogoba said the weekend's outage was planned.  

"This weekend of the 27th of September, Steve Biko Academic Hospital underwent upgrades to its power supply changeover system, which impacted on two levels in the hospital that also houses the emergency unit and several other critical care areas. In an attempt to ensure that we A, adhere to the occupational health and safety regulations and B, continue service delivery. It was a well-planned exercise that involved the management of Steve Biko Academic Hospital."