Vosloorus hospital confirms Klebsiella pneumonia outbreak

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The head of department (HOD), Professor Mkhululi Lukhele, paid a visit to the hospital to assess the situation following the outbreak and a recent protest by employees of the facility.

During the visit, Lukhele confirmed that the hospital’s neonatal unit identified seven cases of Klebsiella pneumonia outbreak in July 2018, which sadly resulted in the deaths of two babies.

“Contrary to what has been reported in the media, there were five babies that were being treated and out of the five, one of the baby’s results was negative,” said Lukhele.

Samples were taken and have been sent to the laboratory to establish the source of the outbreak.

The hospital has since taken proactive measures by strengthening its infection, prevention and control unit and closely monitoring it.

“All babies that were admitted in the ward were screened to prevent further infections. Furthermore, the district specialist and head office were called in for support.

“The department is planning to form a provincial task team, led by a neonatologist, to continuously look at the measures to prevent possible future infections in all our facilities,” said Lukhele.

With the increasing demand for services, Lukhele said the hospital is looking at improving the hospital infrastructure. The 61-bedded neonatal unit often admits close to 90 patients.

“Patient care and delivery of quality healthcare service remain our key priority. To this end, we are working closely with all stakeholders in ensuring that this facility indeed serves the community," said the HOD.

Meanwhile, Lukhele said the department noted allegations made against its hospital staff.

"All complaints and concerns brought to us are thoroughly followed through. I have also noted the allegations levelled against some of the facility management team.

“I would like to assure the workers and members of the public that the management team will be subjected to the department’s labour policies and procedures. No stone will be left unturned in our investigations,” said Lukhele.