A disturbing report has revealed that Tembisa Hospital has experienced the tragic loss of 788 newborns since 2020. This statistic was disclosed by the Gauteng Health Department in response to questions posed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) at the provincial legislature.
Infant Mortality Statistics
The report indicates that the infant deaths were due to various causes, including infections, complications related to prematurity, hypoxia (oxygen deficiency), and congenital anomalies. The statistic is alarming, with approximately 50,000 births having taken place at the hospital in the past three years.
Breakdown of Infant Deaths
– 237 infant deaths in 2020/21
– 271 infant deaths in 2021/22
– 280 infant deaths in 2022/23
Efforts to Improve Care
In response to these tragic statistics, MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted plans to enhance the quality of care within the hospital’s neonatal and maternity departments. The plans include acquiring crucial equipment such as:
– EEG machine
– MRI scan
– Ultrasound machine with cranial and cardiac probes
Challenges and Priorities
Nkomo-Ralehoko acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by Tembisa Hospital, including staffing shortages and equipment deficits. Addressing these issues has been prioritized to improve patient care. Despite these efforts, DA health spokesperson Jack Bloom expressed concern about the rising percentage of infection-related infant deaths, which surged to 37%. He also highlighted an increase in hypoxia-related deaths, emphasizing the need for better care and adequate resources.
Conclusion
This unfortunate situation underscores the urgency of addressing the systemic issues within the healthcare system to prevent avoidable infant deaths and improve overall patient care. The planned improvements and prioritization of resources aim to create a safer and more efficient healthcare environment for newborns and their families.
Recommendations
To address the high infant mortality rate at Tembisa Hospital, the following recommendations have been made:
– Increase staffing levels in the neonatal and maternity departments
– Provide adequate training for healthcare professionals
– Ensure the availability of essential equipment and resources
– Implement infection control measures to reduce the risk of infection-related deaths
By addressing these challenges and prioritizing the needs of newborns and their families, Tembisa Hospital can work towards reducing the infant mortality rate and providing better care for all patients.