Patient woes as hospital taps run dry

RACHEL Britz feared for her life yesterday as she waited to hear whether she would be dialysed or referred to another health facility.

Britz, 43, arrived at Helen Joseph Hospital in Auckland Park, Johannesburg, at about 6am for her renal dialysis which she has to undergo three times a week. But there was no water. More than six hours later, Britz, of Riverlea, was still waiting to hear whether she would be referred to another hospital or not. “My health depends on the dialysis. I cannot go home without the dialysis. It ’ s a risk.”

SA has been experiencing its worst drought in more than 20 years. The levels of reservoirs are dropping. Soaring temperatures have also caused a high demand for water.

Municipalities across the country have implemented water restriction measures as the water crisis worsens.

Taps in various areas have been running dry but no municipality has admitted to implementing level three restrictions which will see intermittent water cuts.

Patients, hospital staff and residents from surrounding areas drew water from taps next to the driveway.

Britz said nurses had told them that if they wanted to leave, they should sign “patient declaration forms ”.

“That is also risky because if I leave, then I ’ m responsible for whatever will happen to me,” said Britz.

A 54-year-old man who also came for renal dialysis and asked not to be named said emergency measures should be put in place for hospitals. “I need the dialysis. … I could get sicker or even die. A hospital must always have water. We need water. … Hospitals must be prioritised.”

Staff at the hospital said there was no notice that water would be cut off.

“Apparently it started on Tuesday. When I arrived at work this morning, there was no water. The toilets and floors are a mess,” said a cleaner.

A woman working in the kitchen said patients had not been fed lunch at the usual time. “We have been running up and down to fetch water. It is bad.” –