Eden Park Clinic Staff Perform Duties under Difficult Circumstances
by Cllr. Stefanie Ueckermann, DA Spokesperson for Health, and Cllr. Tiaan Kotze, DA PR Councillor in Ekurhuleni
Date: 06 September 2023
Release: Immediate
Type: Press Statement
On Monday, 21 August 2023, DA PR councillor for Ward 57, Cllr. Tiaan Kotze and DA Spokesperson for Health and Social Development, Cllr. Stefanie Ueckermann conducted an unofficial site visit at the Eden Park Clinic.
There were various issues raised during the visit. Key amongst these was the lack of internet and phone lines, which resulted in clinic staff having to use their personal mobile devices to order stock, report issues, and call for ambulance and emergency services. The use of personal mobile devices has resulted in staff incurring additional costs to perform their duties and are not always reliable, especially during load-shedding when the cellphone networks are down. Over and above the lack of network access, the clinic is at a total standstill during load-shedding as the backup generator is not functional.
The clinic often experiences a shortage of medication and does not have a full suite of medical equipment to service patients. This includes basic equipment such as a scale to weigh patients, blood pressure monitors, and test sticks to measure cholesterol levels.
The building structure is also in desperate need of repairs as the growth of hazardous black mould is visible on the ceilings because of roof leaks, moisture, and condensation. Other issues raised include faulty air-conditioning units and defective water faucets in consulting rooms.
The community served by this clinic deserves better. We have raised numerous concerns over the years around the deteriorating condition of this clinic and have pleaded for help from the health department and provincial government to improve working conditions for staff. As the DA in Ekurhuleni, we will be escalating these issues to the City’s health department and will also request the department to investigate the possibility of extending the operating hours of the clinic to accommodate patients on Saturdays.
The DA understands that the backbone of a robust healthcare system is its workforce, the dedicated doctors, nurses, and health workers. We want them to be the champions they are trained to be, not victims of an overburdened and under-resourced system.
Furthermore, we are committed to creating and ensuring world-class public healthcare facilities in Ekurhuleni. We strive to build an environment where medical equipment is state of the art, medicines are consistently available, and patients feel secure and cared for.
Attached to this media statement are images of Cllr. Kotze and Cllr. Ueckermann at Eden Park Clinic as well as images of the structural issues identified.
Media Enquiries
Cllr. Stefanie Ueckermann
DA Spokesperson for Health
065 419 7176
Cllr. Tiaan Kotze
DA PR Councillor in Ekurhuleni
079 893 8404
