Department takes over hospital
THE future of the Siloah Lutheran Hospital was secured when KZN Department of Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo officially announced the takeover of this health facility by government.
The announcement allayed the fears of 96 staff members and scores of community members who would have been adversely affected by the closure of the hospital which, until recently, seemed a certainty.
Speaking at the hospital, in the Dlomodlomo area under Abaqulusi Municipality, MEC Dhlomo said the closure of the facility, originally built by the Lutheran Church Ministries, would have been catastrophic.
‘This hospital has been state-funded for a long time.
‘When it was brought to our attention that the board of this facility was experiencing difficulties running its affairs and had run out of money, we took a resolution to extend its grant funding while exploring ways in which we could take over its running, and rationalise its services.
‘There was a possibility of closure but after months of negotiations involving various stakeholders, as well as conducting an exercise to ascertain its viability as a healthcare facility, we have finally arrived at a decision.’
After serious considerations and advice from the KZN cabinet it has been agreed to keep the hospital open.
As from 1 October, workers have been put on the department’s pay roll.
‘The prices (for this hospital) and other matters are being negotiated by the Department of Health, supported by Public Works, with the owners of this facility.
‘We felt it was important not to leave our people destitute, in terms of access to health services.
‘When we want to decentralise and improve access to health of all our citizens as the National Health Insurance (NHI) is saying, it would have been an anomaly to close the facility.
‘Rather, we’re re-arranging and making sure the facility can continue working in a rationalised manner.’
Speaking on behalf of staff, enrolled nurse Cynthia Khululiwe Buthelezi said the announcement by the MEC has brought much relief.
The facility will continue to render a comprehensive primary health care package, 24/7 on an on-call basis and operate as a pick-up point for medication for chronic ailments, render mobile health services to 36 points, emergency services, maternity services, and preventative and promote health care services to the surrounding community.
It will also be visited by a doctor once a week and will provide community outreach health services through wardbased outreach teams and school health teams.