Gauteng’s public hospitals recorded a staggering 7117 Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) last year, causing widespread patient harm and many deaths.
SAEs refer to unintended harm inflicted on patients, potentially leading to injury, permanent disability, or even death. These incidents arise from various factors, but they are frequently linked to substandard hospital conditions and medical negligence.
The latest SAE figures were revealed by Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.
There is a worrying uptrend as there were 6910 SAEs recorded in 2021, up from 4701 SAEs in 2020, and 4170 SAEs in 2019.
The Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital recorded the highest number of SAEs, with 1169 incidents, followed by George Mukhari Academic Hospital (613), Steve Biko Academic Hospital (552), and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (447).
Tembisa Hospital led the tertiary hospitals with 437 SAEs, followed by Kalafong Hospital with 307 incidents, and Helen Joseph Hospital, which recorded 153 SAEs.
Among regional hospitals, Leratong Hospital topped the list with 499 SAEs. Pholosong Hospital recorded 325 incidents, Thelle Mogoerane Hospital had 318, and Rahima Moosa Hospital reported 239. The remaining regional hospitals each registered fewer than 200 SAEs, with Sebokeng Hospital reporting the lowest at 72.
In district hospitals, Bheki Mlangeni Hospital was the only one to report more than 100 SAEs, with a total of 119.
Notably concerning are the 452 SAEs reported at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital.
Despite the Department’s claim that comprehensive measures are being implemented to reduce SAEs, only 29 officials across nine hospitals faced disciplinary action last year.
If the alarming rise in SAEs is not curbed, patient suffering will persist, and the financial burden of medical negligence cases will escalate.
The DA will push for better hospital management, prompt filling of staff vacancies, provision of essential equipment, and robust training and disciplinary measures to address poor performance that leads to patient harm.