New Somerset Hospital to Upgrade Electrical System

Due to the recent power failure endured by staff and patients at New Somerset Hospital, the hospital's management has decided to replace two change over breakers (ie upgrade the hospital's electrical system).

The upgrade is scheduled to take place from Friday, 13 January 2012, to Sunday, 15 January 2012, and will dramatically affect the electricity supply to New Somerset Hospital. There will be no main electrical supply to the hospital, except for generators.

The scheduled dates and time of the upgrade are as follows:

1. PHASE 1: Friday, 13 January 2012, 13:00 - 17:00
2. PHASE 2: Friday, 13 January 2012, 17:00 to Sunday, 15 January 2012, early afternoon
3. PHASE 3: Sunday, 15 January 2012, afternoon (three to four hours)

All departments within the hospital will function as per normal. Provision has been made for all urgent and emergency surgical cases to be diverted to Groote Schuur Hospital, and Caesareans diverted to Mowbray Maternity Hospital.

There will be a dedicated Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulance on site during the shutdown period to effect urgent transfer of cases to the appropriate hospitals.