The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has assured residents that dialysis services continue at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, despite recent supply challenges.
According to the department, the hospital experienced low levels of sodium bicarbonate solution due to delays in procurement processes.
“Contrary to reports that the hospital had completely run out of the consumable, the facility maintained continuity of care by implementing contingency measures. As a result, no dialysis treatments were missed, no procedures were cancelled or postponed.
“The department also confirms that the supply of dialysis filters used in intensive care was affected following regrettable delays in procurement processes. To minimise any potential disruption to patient care, the hospital temporarily sourced supplies from facilities within its cluster,” the GDoH said.
The department added that while these delays caused operational pressure, “they did not result in adverse patient outcomes”.
“Procurement processes had been fast tracked to replenish sodium bicarbonate solution together with approximately 60% of the outstanding dialysis filter and delivery is expected in due course accordingly.
“The department acknowledges that delays in procurement processes contributed to the temporary supply challenges and has prioritised interventions to restore normal supply levels. Measures are also being implemented to strengthen procurement planning, improve turnaround times and enhance supply chain management to minimise the risk of similar occurrences.
“The department is working closely with healthcare facilities and suppliers to safeguard the availability of essential medical consumables while ensuring that patient care remains uncompromised across all public health facilities in the province,” the GDoH said. – SAnews.gov.za
