Komani Psychiatric Hospital in Crisis: Staff Raise Alarm

Staff members at Komani Psychiatric Hospital are sounding the alarm, calling for urgent intervention to address the facility’s dire situation.

The hospital is grappling with multiple issues, including water shortages, food scarcity, staff shortages, and poor management.

According to the staff members who wanted to remain anonymous, the hospital has been without water for weeks, leaving patients struggling to access this basic necessity.

He said patients are often going hungry or receiving inadequate meals due to a severe food shortage.

“Staff members have reportedly used their own money to buy food for patients.”

“The hospital is understaffed, with a significant shortage of psychiatric nurses. The departure of six specialists without replacements has further exacerbated the issue,” he said.

He said the hospital’s management has been criticized for not doing enough to address these challenges, with allegations of negligence and poor management.

“Some wards have been recommended for closure due to dilapidated conditions, but they remain open, posing a risk to patient safety,” he said..

The Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Siyanda Manana said the department has acknowledged the challenges and is working to address them.

“However, more needs to be done to ensure the hospital provides quality healthcare services to the community,” he said.

Manana said the challenges facing the hospital include water shortages, food supply issues, and staffing constraints.

“Despite these challenges, the hospital has implemented measures to ensure continuity of services and patient care.”

“The hospital has purchased 11 additional water storage tanks to complement existing storage capacity. A functional borehole is also in place, supplying potable water that meets safety standards,” he said.

Manana said the hospital has also procured bottled water units and received assistance from a local company to transport water from the borehole to various wards.

“The hospital has faced allegations of staff purchasing food for patients, which is strictly prohibited. While there have been challenges with bread supply, the hospital has implemented mitigation measures, including providing alternative starch substitutes. The Department continues to monitor food supply and address supplier performance issues,” said Manana.

He said the hospital’s old facility presents ongoing infrastructure challenges, including frequent burst water pipes and the need for continuous maintenance and refurbishment.

“The hospital is currently addressing some of these challenges through repairs and replacements,” he said.

He said the hospital has experienced staff losses due to resignations and retirements.

“Critical posts have been motivated to the Head Office for approval, and requests have been submitted for agency staff. However, some posts have not been approved due to budgetary constraints,” he said.