Staff Reporter.
@GalloImages.
Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital was plunged into crisis on Monday when a 10-metre-long copper pipe supplying oxygen into the main intensive care unit (ICU) was stolen, leading to the emergency evacuation of 20 patients.
A contractor has since replaced the stolen pipe and patients were moved back into the ICU on Wednesday.
Following this, a copper pipe supplying water to two of the hospital’s theatres was cut leaving two general theatres flooded.
The theatres, which are also used for emergency procedures, were not operating owing to the interruption in the water supply.
Describing the incidents as sabotage, the department of health said it believed the perpetrator in both incidents is familiar with the hospital’s operations.
It said the plant room where the pipes were cut is not exposed, meaning someone had to know where to find it.
“There appears to be a concerted effort at sabotage at the hospital. The incidents have been referred to the police for investigation,” said spokesperson Motalatale Modiba.
He said no stone will be left unturned to find the culprits who endangered patients’ lives.
Gauteng MEC for health Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko condemned the incidents at the Hospital and said whoever was behind the incident should also be charged with attempted murder.
“They intentionally put the lives of 20 patients at risk, 19 of whom were on life support and depended on access to oxygen through artificial ventilation.”
After the incident, head of the Gauteng infrastructure department Dr Thulani Mdadane issued a circular to all employees highlighting their zero tolerance approach to criminality.
Mdadane revealed his department had experienced an increase in the theft of government property and consumables by employees, and had opened six cases of theft against 13 employees. These thefts include copper pipes, copper cables and diesel.
These disciplinary cases have resulted in six dismissals. Seven cases will be finalised soon. Additionally, criminal cases have been instituted on all 13 matters. One employee remains in custody.