Strike Update: Western Cape Department of Health - 2 September 2010

One hundred and thirty three (133) out of twenty eight thousand and sixty seven (28 067) (0.4 %) employees of the Western Cape Department of Health were on strike on Thursday, 2 September.

The majority of these employees were nurses, kitchen staff and support staff at Tygerberg Hospital and Groote Schuur Hospital. At Stellenbosch Hospital picketers kept patients from entering Emergency Services for a short period this morning, but SAPS managed the situation. Reports from provincial health facilities in rural areas, including the West Coast, Winelands, Karoo and Southern Cape, reveal that there are no strikers.

As part of the contingency plans at Tygerberg Hospital, the problems faced by the shortage of kitchen staff were overcome by pre-packed meals that were prepared in advance for such a situation. Other time-saving interventions include reducing the number of meal options and dish-up points, the use of foamalite containers to reduce dishwashing, and managers coming in earlier to assist with breakfast preparation.

Western Cape Health Minister, Theuns Botha, commented, "I have to commend staff who are taking initiatives to overcome the time problems during the strike. Although services have not been interrupted, staff is under more pressure. Services to patients could continue and the morale is good."

Issued by:
Theuns Botha
Western Cape Minister for Health