Roof damage forces Piketberg hospital to evacuate patients, move trauma centre

A SECTION of Radie Kotze Hospital in Piketberg has been closed indefinitely and its emergency centre moved, after a precautionary evacuation due to roof structural concerns this week.

This after a routine inspection found that a section of the roof at the main facility was not structurally sound.

Five patients had to be transferred to neighbouring facilities, including Lapa Munnik Hospital in Porterville, Vredenburg Hospital, Citrusdal Hospital and Swartland Hospital in Malmesbury.

Two patients were discharged and the remaining patients moved to a different ward at the Radie Kotze Hospital.

Provincial health spokesperson for the West Coast District and Paarl Hospital, Leensie Lötter, confirmed the evacuation on Tuesday.

“The evacuation took place as a precautionary measure and no incidents or injuries were reported before, during or after the evacuation. One ward had to be evacuated.

“The hospital has a bed capacity of 33 beds in two wards and currently there is only one ward in use with 20 beds.

“At the time of evacuation, there were 27 patients admitted to the facility,” said Lötter.

The extent of the damage and cost of repairs have yet to be determined.

“Given the nature of the structure failure, engineers specialising in roof structures have also been approached to assist with the project … An estimated timeline of repairs of the structure will be determined by the outcome of the assessment,” said Lötter.

“The emergency centre has been moved to the old theatre complex in a safe area of the building.

“Patients and visitors should make use of the entrance at the back (north side) of the building to access the emergency centre,” said Lötter

The Bergrivier municipality said the West Coast district management team was notified of the potential danger posed by the current structure.