Backlog in Gauteng orthopaedic ops

At least 800 patients are on waiting lists for orthopaedic operations in Gauteng hospitals, DA health spokesman Jack Bloom said.

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Johannesburg - At least 800 patients are on waiting lists for orthopaedic operations in Gauteng hospitals, Democratic Alliance health spokesman Jack Bloom said on Wednesday.

“This was disclosed yesterday [Tuesday] by Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu in an oral reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature. According to Mahlangu, emergency orthopaedic cases are done daily, and take no longer than 14 days,” Bloom said.

“She said that people lost mobility when operations were delayed and the department had apologised for this.”

Bloom added that a patient, Aubrey Moerane, was told by health workers at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto that he would have to wait for seven years for a hip operation.

“I look forward to the new measures which will hopefully alleviate the suffering of many patients who need hip, knee or spinal surgery, some of whom are currently in wheelchairs. I welcome the MEC’s announcement that the department is finalising a plan to wipe out the surgery backlog,” Bloom said.

“This will require extra theatre time, availability of intensive care beds and collaboration with the private health sector.”

ANA