Dirty hospital linen in plastic bags is piling up at Livingstone Hospital with nothing washed over the past three weeks.
The problem, which has been attributed to a broken washing machine and recent strike action at the hospital, has affected three hospitals – Livingstone, Dora Nginza and Provincial – as washing for all three hospitals is done at Livingstone.
Several plastic bags containing dirty linen are lying outside the laundry and while hospital management is trying to make contingency plans, the pile is growing.
Livingstone Hospital board member Pula Lonake said part of the problem could be attributed to recent strikes, with a change in hospital management also playing a role.
“One would expect some abnormality with the previous management going out. With new management in place we will be dealing with it and expect something to happen.
“We have the interest of patients at heart,” he said.
Lonake confirmed this had been the prevailing situation at the hospital for three weeks.
“It’s very unfortunate and needs to be dealt with.
“This matter need urgent attention,” he said.
Lonake said a washing machine had been damaged.
Health department spokesman Lwandile Sicwetsha also blamed the situation on recent strikes and a faulty machine, which was being attended to.
“The laundry service has been outsourced in the meantime until the machine is fixed,” Sicwetsha said.
“There is still linen available for patients and theatres,” he said.
The situation comes less than two weeks after the entire top management of Livingstone Hospital was placed on special leave pending an investigation into serious allegations of theft and fraud.
A source close to the hospital, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the situation was dire. “It’s really getting out of hand,” the official said.
The situation is not only placing strain on the already under-resourced government institutions but also on patients, who often have to bring their own linen from home when hospitalised.