KZN hospital under fire for cooking outside using firewood due to power outage

JOHANNESBURG - Northdale Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal has come under fire for preparing patient meals outside the facility using firewood owing to a power outage.

It's understood that an area-wide power failure had struck Pietermaritzburg's northern suburbs, which also affected the hospital earlier this week.

While all three of the hospital’s back-up generators were activated, one malfunctioned, disrupting power to parts of the facility, including the kitchen.

The Department of Health in the province said the hospital’s decision to cook using firewood outdoors was unacceptable and contravened stringent food safety and contingency protocols.

Spokesperson Nathi Olifant said the department has approved emergency measures for such incidents, including support from nearby hospitals, which the hospital should have followed.

“In light of this breach, I have already requested the department to take the necessary disciplinary steps against those responsible for this breach. We remain unwavering in our commitment to patient welfare and upholding the highest standards of care.”