Authored by: Captain SA
Tembisa, 20 April 2025 – The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, addressed members of the media, healthcare personnel, and the community at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital today, following a fire outbreak in the Accident and Emergency Unit on the evening of Saturday, 19 April 2025.
#SARainbowNews #TembisaHospitalFire #HealthUpdate
Despite the alarming nature of the fire, swift and coordinated efforts by emergency response teams ensured that no lives were lost and no injuries were sustained. The MEC applauded the bravery and professionalism of personnel from the City of Ekurhuleni, Gauteng EMS, private ambulance services, and hospital staff.
#EmergencyResponse #HeroesInScrubs #EkurhuleniEMS
All 81 patients who were in the unit at the time were safely evacuated. Breakdown of patient movements includes:
- 2 to ICU
- 1 to High Care
- 4 discharged
- 17 transferred to other hospitals
- 50 admitted to the Antenatal Unit
- 7 walked out upon seeing the fire
#PatientSafety #HealthcareHeroes #TembisaUpdate
In total, 14 nurses, 6 doctors, and 6 security officers were on duty. All staff have been accounted for and none were harmed. The MEC commended their calmness and professionalism during the incident.
#NursesRock #DoctorDuty #HospitalStaff
Families can now visit their loved ones as usual, as the fire did not affect other wards. For queries, the hospital has activated special telephone lines: 011 923 2000 / 2165.
#FamilySupport #HospitalUpdates #GautengHealth
Regarding safety, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko confirmed that the Accident and Emergency Unit had recently undergone renovations, and maintenance records for firefighting and fire detection systems are up to date and compliant until 2026.
#FireSafety #HospitalInfrastructure #HealthDepartment
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Investigations are being conducted by SAPS Forensics, the Department of Employment and Labour, the City of Ekurhuleni Fire Department, and internal departmental teams.
#InvestigationOngoing #FireProbe #GautengNews
While the Accident and Emergency Unit remains closed, the hospital has activated a business continuity plan. Ambulances are on divert, but walk-in patients will still be seen. Services for acutely ill patients, maternal and child care, mental health, and chronic illnesses continue at designated areas.
#HealthcareContinues #HospitalServices #TembisaCares
“The fire has been extinguished, and the hospital continues to operate,” said the MEC. “We understand the trauma caused to families and staff. We are committed to restoring the unit, supporting our people, and keeping the public informed.”
#WeRecoverTogether #PublicHealth #TheVoiceBehindEveryPowerfulStory
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