A R35-million-rand renovation project commencing this month at Helderberg Hospital, Somerset West, is meant to improve service delivery and patient care on its completion at the end of 2024.
According to Abulele Dyasi, Communications Officer at the Department of Health and Wellness, the renovations will take place in stages.
“Stage 1 entails renovation of the spillover ward, central sterile-services department, generator complex, bulk store and linen store,” she said. “Stage 2 will include work to the bulk store, workshop, laundry, infectious disease unit, pharmacy, main waiting area, nurse office (A&B), medical-waste room and decommissioning store. We will also upgrade the ventilation in the reception area.” Dyasi added that the hospital executive management together with all relevant service managers will make use of decanting plans with the contractors to ensure staff and patient safety.
“We put patients first in all our operations and they will not be affected by this project,” he clarified. The decanting plans involve working with our key staff and other service providers in the department to minimise disruptions.”
Dyasi also said the cost of R35 million was an estimation and that the project will run over 18 months until completion.
Asked about the exterior of the hospital, Dyasi said the entrance of the hospital does not form part of this project and comes from other funding and will be prioritised after major works have been completed. “Some of the benefits include improving support services work areas given the fact that this hospital is more than 80 years old,” she said. “Many support-service work areas are not fit for purpose. This project will immensely improve patient care.”
The board of Helderberg Hospital was invited to comment on the renovations, but declined.
