PORT ELIZABETH - CONCERN RAISED AS LIVINGSTONE HOSPITAL STRUGGLES WITH COVID-19 CASUALTY UNIT AND SPIKE OF CASES IN THE PROVINCE

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize on Wednesday raised concerns about the rapid increase of Covid-19 cases in the Eastern Cape.

One of the 4 526 infected people is Premier Oscar Mabuyane's advisor and ANC provincial executive committee member, Zandisile Qupe.

Livingstone Hospital has struggled with a lack of staff and sterile equipment.

While Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has raised concerns about the rapid increase of Covid-19 cases in the Eastern Cape, its largest casualty unit with a dedicated isolation site, Livingstone Hospital, is struggling.

The provincial health department confirmed the unit had been hit by a shortage of sterile gloves, gowns and employees, including doctors, nurses and porters, while its Accident and Emergency Unit had not been cleaned for days.

On Thursday, department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo told News24 the unit had not been cleaned and it had no sterile gloves and gowns as of Wednesday afternoon.

However, Kupelo denied reports the casualty unit was shut down on Wednesday after doctors complained about its filthy state.

On Wednesday, the Daily Maverick reported some patients were left lying in the casualty unit as there were not enough porters to take them to wards, and the hospital had to temporarily close down its Accident and Emergency Unit.

via - NEWS24