An oversight inspection to Shiluvana Frail Care Centre by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo has revealed many other pressing issues at the facility, in addition to the imminent lapse of the current contract with Life Esidimeni at the end of September.
The centre, which holds a total of 160 patients, is severely understaffed and is facing staff shortages in crucial posts. Shiluvana is currently in need of two occupational therapists, a physiotherapist, a nurse and a physiotherapist assistant.
There are currently 85 patients who need medical assistance due to their mental health, 54 patients who have intellectual disabilities, 57 patients that are wheelchair bound and 77 of the patients in the facility were found to be wholly dependent of the healthcare personnel for bathing, dressing, feeding and using the toilet.
There is a constant lack of water due to poor municipal services and boreholes that have dried up. The centre has informed the Limpopo Department of Social Development of the borehole situation, but to no avail. They are now forced to buy water on a daily basis and warm it up for patients using an electric hot water urn. view photos here, here, here and here.
The facility, which used to be an acute care hospital, and its surrounding infrastructure are not disability friendly. This poses a challenge to patients with physical impairments, especially those that use wheelchairs.
The showers and other ablution facilities are also not accessible and user friendly for people with physical disabilities. There are no rails in the showers, baths or toilets.
The issues identified during the oversight inspection are further compounded by the impasse between the Limpopo Departments of Health and Social Development over responsibility of the care centre. A task team report handed over to the provincial government, outlines that the department of health should be the lead department and that their services are needed most at the centre.
The DA has constantly raised concern over the lack of a decision from Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha and the Limpopo Provincial Government Executive Council (EXCO) on the future of Shiluvana Centre, despite the end of the Life Esidimeni contract looming.
The issue of responsibility for Shiluvana Frail Care Centre and its patients’ needs must be addressed urgently before the contract expires and patients are neglected. The DA will continue to monitor this matter until it is resolved.