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The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in Gqeberha says it is concerned about the extra burden on other hospitals in the Metro due to the temporary closure of Provincial Hospital's operating theatre.
All surgeries at the hospital have been put on hold due to an unstable electricity supply to the facility.
Patients who need surgery will now be referred to either Livingstone Hospital or Kariega's Provincial Hospital.
Livingstone Hospital, which is already facing extensive staff shortages, will receive the majority of these patients.
Two weeks ago, AlgoaFM News reported that a private contractor had accidentally severed an underground cable - leaving the Provincial Hospital in Gqeberha at the mercy of one generator.
DENOSA Provincial Chairperson, Sivuyile Mange, says the issue will only be properly resolved if the filling of vacancies is expedited.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health says staff members who do theatre surgeries are being temporarily moved to Livingstone and Kariega Provincial Hospitals.
Department spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase says the deployment will remain in force until the electricity problem is sorted out at the Gqeberha Provincial Hospital.
