PAARL – Repairs to the fire-damaged Outpatient Department at Paarl Provincial Hospital are expected to cost an estimated R50 million and may take up to 12 months to complete, Western Cape MEC of Health and Wellness Mireille Wenger yesterday confirmed as the facility continues its recovery from the devastating blaze.
The fire broke out on Tuesday morning, 27 January, at around 11:17, forcing the emergency evacuation of patients, staff and visitors after smoke and flames spread from a vehicle parked near the Day Hospital section of the provincial facility.
Several floors were cleared as a precaution while firefighters worked to contain the blaze by midday.
No injuries were reported.
Paarl police later arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He appeared in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court on arson charges.
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Authorities said the suspect is believed to be linked to the fire through video evidence and witness statements, and his case has prompted further investigation into whether a psychiatric evaluation is needed.
Wenger yesterday said the Outpatient Department sustained extensive damage, while other parts of the hospital were less severely affected.
“The cost to repair the damage is estimated at R50 million, and it is expected that it will take 12 months to repair the OPD.
“A number of contractors are currently on site to prepare affected parts of the hospital for safe use,” she said, adding that work includes minor repairs and painting, debris removal, and the restoration of ceilings, lighting and sections of the HVAC system damaged in the fire.
According to Wenger hospital management, nursing and administrative staff joined in on 6 February for what staff dubbed Operation Rise and Shine, cleaning and preparing newly established OPD clinic spaces and organising the post fire equipment storage hub.
“These efforts brought order and function back to fire damaged OPD areas earmarked for reuse,” Wenger said, praising teamwork and solidarity shown by staff.
She confirmed that all clinical outpatient services have since resumed.
Patients are being seen at the hospital’s training centre and escorted to temporary clinical areas including Orthopaedics, Ear Nose and Throat, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Surgery, the Stoma Clinic, Urology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Ophthalmology.
Only Audiology, Department of Home Affairs birth registrations and the kiosk remain closed and are expected to reopen within two weeks.
Wenger also noted a 20-point improvement plan has been compiled to streamline OPD services while the rebuild is underway.
“Paarl Hospital’s teams have worked tirelessly to restore services and ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need,” she said.
“Together, we will restore Paarl Hospital fully and ensure it continues to serve this community with dignity, compassion and excellence.”
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