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The DA welcomes Health MEC Hope Papo’s plan to reopen the Kempton Park Hospital in 2015, almost 20 years after its controversial closure. The MEC outlined the department’s plans for the hospital in a written reply to my question in the Legislature.
The MEC’s indication that the facility will be a lower-level district hospital is disappointing. Kempton Park hospital must function as a regional hospital for Ekurhuleni to alleviate overcrowding at the Tembisa and Edenvale regional hospitals.
I will submit a follow up question to the MEC to determine the reason for having the facility function as a district hospital. I will also ask the MEC to consider reopening it as a regional hospital or indicate his department’s alternative plan to address hospital overcrowding in Tembisa and Edenvale.
The long overdue reopening of the Kempton Park Hospital will provide much needed additional healthcare services to the people in Ekurhuleni. The MEC must therefore ensure that this hospital forms part of the broader plan to address healthcare quality and overcrowding issues.
I hope that the planned deadlines are met and that there are no further delays.