Johannesburg – The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) has voiced its “grave concern” over the unsatisfactory cleanliness standards and inadequate patient care observed at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

DENOSA attributes the chronic shortage of clean linen to the breakdown of washing machines in the laundry department.

The build-up of unprocessed laundry has also raised significant concerns within the union.

This matter was first brought to light last month, on 13 November, by MPL Jack Bloom, the Democratic Alliance Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health.

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“The sight of uncollected and soiled linen piling up in various units and corridors of the hospital has become a frequent issue, raising alarms among nurses regarding the deteriorating hygiene standards within the facility,” DENOSA stated in a press release on Sunday, (8 December 2024).

“Considering how the linen is stored, it is highly likely that a significant portion could be deemed unusable due to possible permanent damage.

“The hospital is now reliant on external service providers and well-meaning individuals for linen cleaning, which often leads to delays given the hospital’s extensive size.”

Due to cramped conditions in the laundry area, some bundles of dirty linen have been left outside.

DENOSA reported that the hospital has been operating with just two washing machines, as one machine broke down and was never repaired.

“As of November, the last two machines have also ceased functioning, leaving the hospital with no means to wash its linen,” DENOSA declared.

“For nursing and other healthcare professionals, the cleanliness of a facility is vital for implementing effective infection control measures.”

DENOSA stressed that the lack of clean linen is negatively affecting patient care.

“Nurses are having to manage the frustration and aggressive behavior of patients’ relatives in light of the filthy conditions… a situation beyond the control of the nursing staff,” lamented the nurses’ union.

DENOSA has raised this issue with the management of the facility, which is also impacting nurses’ capacity to fulfill their responsibilities.

The organization has called upon the MEC of Health in the province to take prompt action to resolve the situation.

DENOSA underscored that Africa’s largest hospital must not be allowed to operate with a malfunctioning laundry.

Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (commonly known as Bara) holds the title of the largest hospital in Africa and ranks as the seventh largest hospital globally.

The hospital employs a workforce of 6,760 staff members and is equipped with 3,400 beds.