Gauteng Health recorded over 7,000 serious adverse events in 2023 – MEC

SAEs refer to unintended harm inflicted on patients, potentially leading to injury, disability or even death. 

Several factors can cause such incidents but are often linked to substandard hospital conditions and medical negligence.

Nkomo-Ralehoko revealed this in a written reply to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) questions at the Gauteng Legislature.

The DA’s Jack Bloom has expressed concern as SAE cases continue to rise annually. 

According to Bloom, there were 6,910 SAEs recorded in 2021; up from 4,701 SAEs in 2020; and 4,170 SAEs in 2019.

“The Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital recorded the highest number of SAEs, with 1,169 incidents, followed by George Mukhari Academic Hospital (613), Steve Biko Academic Hospital (552), and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (447).

“Tembisa Hospital led the tertiary hospitals with 437 SAEs, followed by Kalafong Hospital with 307 incidents, and Helen Joseph Hospital, which recorded 153 SAEs.

“Among regional hospitals, Leratong Hospital topped the list with 499 SAEs. Pholosong Hospital recorded 325 incidents, Thelle Mogoerane Hospital had 318, and Rahima Moosa Hospital reported 239. The remaining regional hospitals each registered fewer than 200 SAEs, with Sebokeng Hospital reporting the lowest at 72,” added Bloom.

The Health Department in the province has vowed that comprehensive measures have been implemented to reduce SAEs. 

However, Bloom says only 29 officials across nine hospitals faced disciplinary action last year. 

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