Natalspruit patients moved to new hospital

Johannesburg - The relocation of patients from the old Natalspruit hospital in Katlehong to the new one in Vosloorus began on Monday, the Gauteng health department said.

"About 500 patients are being migrated to the new facility... to ensure that patient care and health services are not compromised," spokesperson Prince Hamnca said.

The new hospital would be officially opened to the public on 28 August.

The 821-bed hospital had four operating theatres, a pharmacy, 24-hour casualty ward, medico-legal facilities, obstetricians and gynaecologists, an ophthalmology and radiology facility, and an ear, nose and throat clinic.

It would accommodate referrals from clinics, community health care centres, and district hospitals from Katlehong, Vosloorus, Thokoza, Magugala Heights, Zonkiziwe, Phola Park, Palm Ridge, Eden Park, Germiston, and Leondale.

The old hospital began diverting patients last week and stopped accepting walk-in patients.

In the interim, patients had to use health care facilities such as Bertha Gxowa in Germiston, Pholosong in Tsakane, Far East Rand Hospital in Springs, Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg, and Heidelberg Hospital.

Bodies that were still at the old hospital were moved to the new hospital on Sunday.