Helen Joseph Hospital not fit for purpose – says health ombud

The report is released on the backdrop of growing concerns regarding the deteriorating state of public hospitals in Gauteng and concerns about aging infrastructure.

Last week, patients had to take cold showers after Egoli Gas switched off gas supply to Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic and Edenvale hospitals.

The cut off was due to nonpayment of a supplieer by the department of health.

Mndaweni said they conducted two investigations – in September and December – which showed little-to-no-progress in addressing the problems identified.

Additionally, food shortages at the hospital have become a recurring problem, with patients often receiving inadequate portions.

“There had been challenges in procuring food items due to nonpayment of suppliers by the Gauteng department of health. Non-delivery sometimes led to repetition of meals per day, and there was no system in place to verify if patients were receiving adequate protein portions,” Mndaweni said.

Financial mismanagement was another major issue flagged. Helen Joseph’s financial operations revealed a lack of transparency and oversight in supply chain management.

“There is no clear segregation of duties in the unit due to staff shortages. The same person responsible for procuring services is also making payments, creating a high risk for financial mismanagement,” Mndaweni said.

As part of the recommended interventions, the health ombud has called for an immediate refurbishment of the hospital, an urgent review of staff establishment, the filling of vacant posts, and the appointment of a permanent CEO.

The OHSC report also recommended enhanced security measures, improved linen and food supply management, and stricter compliance with healthcare norms and standards.

Minister of health Aaron Motsoaledi pointed out that the absence of doctors at hospitals is a growing concern linked to the occupation-specific dispensation.

“In the past, hospitals were run by a superintendent, the most senior doctor with the authority to manage the facility. Unfortunately, that system was changed, leading to a situation where senior clinicians earn more than their managers, making it difficult to enforce proper oversight,” he said.

Motsoaledi said the system has resulted in senior clinicians opting to do remunerative work outside public service (RWOPS) instead of being present in hospitals.

“RWOPS has been poorly managed, and it is not an automatic right, yet many institutions treat it as such. Hospitals are understaffed, and yet doctors are allowed to leave for private sector work. This needs urgent review, which has begun with Treasury,” Motsoaledi said.

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