Strike Update: No Impact on Service Delivery at Western Cape Health Facilities

Health services in the Western Cape could continue normally today. This morning at 9:00, one hundred and forty four (144) out of twenty eight thousand and sixty seven (28 067) employees were reported on strike. That accounts for a zero point five percent (0.5%) strike statistic. There was no need to contract agency staff. Protesters were picketing at Groote Schuur and Tygerberg hospitals, but these activities had no impact on the normal hospital routines.

Groote Schuur Hospital was the worst affected with seventy seven (77) employees on strike out of approximately three thousand five hundred (3500). These were mostly in the kitchen, affecting food services. The hospital implemented contingency plans which included making use of volunteers and rotating staff to assist in the kitchen.

At Tygerberg, thirty three (33) employees went on strike. It follows that the balance of thirty four (34) strikers were at health facilities throughout the province. There was no impact on service delivery.

Should the strike continue on Monday, the Western Cape Department of Health's services will function in line with available staff. Every effort will be made to maintain a normal level of service.