The Free State Health Department has provided an update following a fire at the National Hospital in Bloemfontein.
The fire started outside the paediatric ward, causing trees to catch alight and the blaze to spread to the first and second floors of the hospital. As a result, eighty-three patients were evacuated and relocated to various hospitals across the province.
Despite the main part of the hospital being closed as a precaution, spokesperson Mondli Mvambi has assured that services in the surrounding precinct remain operational. This includes eye care and oncology services, which are housed in separate buildings.
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Mvambi emphasized that these services will continue as normal to ensure minimal disruption to patients requiring ongoing care.
The department has taken steps to ensure the well-being of the evacuated patients. All patient files have been transferred to the respective hospitals, and an office has been established to assist next of kin in locating their loved ones.
Families can contact the office at 0514039869 for updates. Mvambi also confirmed that maternity patients have been moved to appropriate facilities for continued care.
In light of the incident, all hospitals in the Free State province have been instructed to activate their disaster plans. The Red Cross has stepped in to provide humanitarian aid, supplying blankets and hygiene packs to the evacuated patients.
According to Claudia Mangwegape, the Red Cross manager in the Free State, this support is crucial as patients could not retrieve their belongings from the affected hospital.
This coordinated response highlights the commitment of the Free State Health Department to supporting organizations in managing the crisis and ensuring the safety and care of all affected patients.
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