Online Reporter
Obey Sibanda recently in Bubi
THERE is a need to deploy more nurses to Inyathi District Hospital, as well as the construction of additional accommodation to cater for staff members to improve health service delivery.
This emerged during a gathering on Tuesday this week to receive a Starlink kit donated to the institution by area councillor, Cde Ignatius Khabo (Zanu-PF), where officials highlighted other challenges facing the health centre.
Zanu-PF Central Committee member, Cde Nqaba Maphosa, former senator Cde Lot Mbambo, district youth chairperson Cde Devine Sibanda, council chairperson Clr Thembani Khumalo, and youth members from Bulawayo, Cde Cephas Ndlovu, Collett Sesedza, and senior village head Reuben Ngwenya, were briefed about the gaps and pledged to take the matter further and ensure the Government attends to the areas of concern.
“We promise to use the relevant channels to make sure that this plea reaches our President, the listening President,” said Cde Maphosa.
Clr Khabo also promised to assist the hospital in the best possible way to help alleviate the problems faced.
According to hospital authorities, Inyathi District Hospital serves as a referral health centre to 13 clinics, providing key services to hundreds of patients.
The hospital is supposed to have 86 nurses, but at the moment, it is operating with only 28 nursing staff, a situation that puts immense pressure on the team.
Acting Matron, Hlengiwe Ncube, said a lack of accommodation was a major challenge to attracting new staff.
“Nurses are forced to use part of their salaries to pay for accommodation outside the institution and are forced to walk some distance to the hospital,” she told the leadership.
“Some are suffering from burnout since they are forced to cover up for the shortage.”
Acting Matron Ncube further highlighted that staffing shortages can lead to a decreased quality of care as workers are stretched thin, resulting in burnout.
She emphasised the need to boost staffing, and improve working conditions while appealing to the authorities to help construct more staff accommodation.
Meanwhile, Clr Khabo said his Starlink kit donation was aimed at ensuring that members of staff, patients, and students adapt to technological advancements, as the nursing training school has more than 120 students.
Clr Khabo emphasised the importance of giving back to the community while pledging to pay subscription fees.
“It’s our mandate as leaders to assist the community. I believe this will put the institution on the world stage and ensure that they become part of today’s technologically empowered community,” he said.
Cde Khabo said the staff and students will be able to browse the Internet for academic benefit and save on time and cost of research.
The Starlink kit will provide internet access, enabling staff and students to access online resources, enhancing their academic pursuits.
Acting Matron Ncube also expressed her gratitude for the donation, highlighting its impact on students and patients.
“This initiative will benefit us, the staff, the students who need to do their research, and patients to communicate with their families,” she said.
Cde Khabo further said the kit will enable students to compete in the global world with their peers. The community members will also benefit as they are the stakeholders of the hospital, he said.
Clr Khabo also donated foodstuffs and blankets to the hospital. This is not the first time the councillor has supported the institution.
Last year, he donated a pump to address water shortages and built hospital ramps to enhance accessibility for people living with disabilities.
