05 November 2024

Pietermaritzburg: The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health provides an update on recent storm damage affecting health infrastructure across the uMgungundlovu, uThukela, and eThekwini Districts over the past two days.

In uThukela District, Ntabamhlophe Clinic, under Estcourt District Hospital, experienced damage due to strong winds, which blew away the roof of a standalone structure housing the clinic's oxygen bank. Fortunately, the main clinic was not impacted.

Also in uThukela District under Ukhahlamba LM the roof of Oliviershoek clinic ablution facilities was blown away by heavy storm winds.

On Sunday, Harry Gwala Regional Hospital (formerly Edendale Hospital) in Pietermaritzburg sustained significant damage when the roof of the doctors' quarters' second floor was blown away by strong winds. Several staff vehicles were also damaged due to falling trees. Fortunately, no injuries to staff or patients were reported. The hospital administration promptly implemented an interim plan to address the damage and secure the affected quarters, with full restoration efforts already underway to minimise disruption.

At Tholusizo Clinic in uThukela District, strong winds caused trees to fall and damage the clinic's fencing. A maintenance team from Ladysmith District Hospital was deployed on-site to attend to the damage as an interim measure.

In eThekwini District, storm conditions led to damage at McCord Provincial Eye Hospital. The third-floor awning partially collapsed, and shade cloth parking covers were torn away. Minor leaks also developed in two wards and the optometry area.

The Department assures the public that healthcare services remain uninterrupted across all facilities, despite the storm damage. The Department is committed to maintaining service delivery and will continue to closely monitor and address any additional infrastructure needs.

Further updates will be provided as new reports are reviewed and verified.