Debswana upgrades Jwaneng Mine hospital
Lebogang Baingapi | Wednesday June 1, 2016 15:22
According to the hospital superintendent, Mwamba Nsebula, the upgrade comes with refurbishment of the building, replacement of old furniture, upgrading of water and general security.
He said there is need for good emergency and outpatient space as well as to control movement of people coming in and out of the hospital, adding that isolation of patients has also been a challenge and the upgrade will address that.
“We don’t want to be fined or called to closure hence we ensure that we comply with the health care regulations,” he added.
Currently the hospital outsources catering services but they intend to fit kitchen equipment and only source labour from local catering companies. This will also include re-arrangement of the internal building. This, he said, brings the holistic design of the hospital but it does not mean the hospital will be closed. He assured the public that the refurbishment will be in three phases, the first phase expected to commence next year and the last phase to start in November 2021. Nsebula also said the construction will start in non-busy wards to avoid disruptions. He said they have already designed the plan, have approval from the Ministry of Health and physical planners from the Jwaneng Town Council and they are currently consultating with concerned parties which include town leadership.
“We are also going to modify the IDCC unit to remove the segregation that stigmatise patients and will make it more accommodative for all patients.” Though he could not reveal the exact cost of the upgrade, he said the board has committed to release some funds for the project. He said they will also increase beds from 55 to 85 and additionally every ward will have ablutions. Nsebula further revealed that Jwaneng Mine hospital will remain a private hospital and will continue to attract different specialists. He however said assessment will be made to see if they can increase staff for the purpose of efficiency.