The Western Cape Department of Health is responding to claims that Tygerberg Hospital’s ICU beds are full, advising residents to not look at the situation in isolation.
“We would like to advise that the hospital should not be seen in isolation from the provincial plan in managing the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an integrated plan, leveraging all available resources, in the province. The total number of beds in the whole system needs to be considered,” the Health Depatment said in a statement.
According to the Western Cape Health Department, there are 2 162 general care beds and 150 ICU beds that exist in Central and Regional Hospitals across the province. Currently, there are 143 patients admitted to ICU in both public and private hospitals, including the 23 at Tygerberg Hospital.
“The province’s network of beds and expansion of bed capacity makes provision for persons who require ICU admission, which includes the collaboration with the private sector. This was set out in the presentation made to the media by Head of Health, Dr Keith Cloete, yesterday,” continued the Department.
Network of Critical care (ICU and HC) beds for severe cases:
– Existing 150 critical care beds within public sector
– Additional 100 critical care beds to be created within public sector
– Public sector to purchase 300 beds from private sector
– Private sector (own beds) 300 beds
The CTICC is in the process of being converted into a temporary hospital facility, which will provide an estimated 850 more general care beds.
The Health Department also plans to open additional temporary hospitals along the R300 in the Metro, in Khayelitsha, and in the Cape Winelands that will collectively provide an additional 616 beds.
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