Health MEC Sicelo Gqobana gave thumbs up to the management and staff at Komani hospital in Queenstown for the progress made by the new management of the hospital since the reports done by the Daily dispatch which revealed that the situation at the hospital was very bad.

This follows his visit to the Hospital on the 18 October 2011 where he said he was very impressed and excited with the turnaround of the situation in the hospital.

“I am really over the moon with what I see here, how I wish the minister was here when I was touring the hospital, this is what I want to see,” he said.

He further encouraged the managers and health workers to keep up with what they were doing to make sure that the situation stays the same. He pleaded with them to treat the patients as if they were their own children as they are entrusted in their hands. He said they have a huge responsibility as they are dealing with a special group of patients.

The progress made include cleaning material and equipment being made available to all wards, all laundry machines are working, new linen has been purchased; patient’s clothes and linen are adequate.

Furthermore, a dividing wall has been built in the main kitchen, steam is available in the kitchen as a backup gas, electric stoves are available, food supplies are adequate, meals are prepared according to the menu and patients are fed with nutritious meals three times a day.

They have managed to buy furniture and appliances that include lounge suite, fridges, TVs, microwaves and urns.

Acting Director Specialised Services Dr Tobela Nogela who was given a responsibility of monitoring and providing leadership to Mental Health, Forensic Pathology and Clinical Forensic Medical services in the Eastern Cape said he was very happy that the situation had improved drastically and said he was planning to continue monitoring and make sure that necessary resources are provided to maintain the present situation. Sidumise Madyibi and Doly  Mangcotywa