DENOSA wants Gauteng Health MEC to urgently intervene at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

JOHANNESBURG - Nursing union DENOSA has raised alarm over poor hygiene conditions at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, blaming an ongoing linen shortage allegedly caused by malfunctioning laundry equipment.

Healthcare workers say the pile-up of soiled linen in corridors and units has become a daily sight, compromising cleanliness and patient care.

DENOSA said that all three washing machines at the hospital are out of order, forcing staff to rely on outside help, adding that turnaround times for clean linen remain inadequate..

DENOSA has called on Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, to intervene urgently, warning that the standard of care will continue to drop if the machines aren’t repaired immediately.

The union stressed that the linen issue is not only about cleanliness but infection control and alleviating pressure faced by nurses.

Regional Chairperson Yandisa Zungula said that healthcare workers are doing their best despite the challenges, but stressed that this issue needs a long-term fix.