Final touches: RK Khan Hospital renovations nearing completion
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, acting department Head Penny Msimango, the health infrastructure unit, and the contractor recently conducted a Siyahlola oversight visit at RK Khan Hospital.
Image: KZN Department of Health
Renovations at RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth are 99% completed.
This was revealed during a recent oversight visit to the facility by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
Modernisation efforts will align the 56-year-old hospital with current medical infrastructure requirements.
KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, acting department Head Penny Msimango, the health infrastructure unit, and the contractor conducted a Siyahlola oversight visit at the hospital.
According to the department, the hospital is undergoing a R59 million re-waterproofing and internal renovations at Blocks D and E, and the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD).
The state-of-the-art renovations aimed at modernising the facility and integrating new medical technology and infrastructure include not only the waterproofing of roof slabs, but also the complete redesign of wards D and E following Infrastructure Unit Support System (IUSS) guidelines.
The project also involves the removal of existing fittings, fixtures, and outdated electrical, mechanical, and extraction systems, and raising all internal partitions in the bed wards to a height of 2.1 metres. The redesigned CSSD will now fully follow IUSS accommodation design standards.
Simelane expressed satisfaction with the progress, although there were concerns about delays and the missed completion deadline.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane (green and white outfit), acting department Head Penny Msimango, the health infrastructure unit, and the contractor recently conducted a Siyahlola oversight visit at RK Khan Hospital.
Image: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health
Meanwhile, last month, KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer inspected the hospital.
During a briefing session, it emerged that what seemed like a roof repair undertaking that was meant to last five months ended up being an extended project as assessments showed that the walls and other structural aspects were severely compromised.
“The fact that this oversight happens as a result of storm damage shows us that the reality of climate change is evident,” Meyer said at the time.
Meyer also advised against concern as the number of contractors pulled out of projects and replaced will likely increase soon.
This was part of what Meyer called a new KZN Public Works and Infrastructure, where poorly performing contractors will no longer be retained for the sake of it but will be immediately replaced by a more competent one.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za