Gauteng Health Expedites Vacancy Filling at Tembisa Hospital

Pretoria: The Gauteng Department of Health has assured the public that it is fast-tracking the recruitment process for various positions at the Tembisa Hospital to ensure that service delivery is not affected. The department is looking to fill medical, nursing, clinical support and therapeutic services, and administration positions at the facility.

According to South African Government News Agency, the Gauteng Department of Health emphasized its commitment to expedite the filling of posts at Tembisa Hospital due to the impact this has on providing efficient service to communities. The current vacancy rate is affecting clinical oversight and supervision, leading to lengthy waiting times and numerous patient complaints. To address these issues, interviews have already been conducted for six doctors, one nursing position, and three clinical support and therapeutic services personnel, who are expected to commence employment in June and July.

Out of the 25 medical vacancies, 22 have been advertised, with eight in the shortlisting phase. Additionally, eight nursing positions were advertised, with two already shortlisted. To further accelerate the recruitment process, four clinical support and therapeutic services positions have been advertised, and three have been shortlisted.

The department has confirmed that some medical equipment, including defibrillators, monitors, and infusion pumps, has been delivered to Tembisa Hospital. The procurement of additional medical equipment, such as ventilators, examination lamps, mobile screens, and anaesthetic machines, will occur within the current financial year, as outlined in the demand plan.

Moreover, the department is undertaking repairs to the hospital's Accident and Emergency Unit, which was engulfed in a fire in 2025. The repair process is divided into two phases. Phase one, covering the less severely affected areas, has been completed with the support of Spire Fund, a donor aiding the remedial work. This phase included clearing, cleaning, and refurbishment of the affected sections.

Phase two addresses the extensively damaged areas, and a detailed cost assessment is in progress, with Spire Fund's support. The final repair costs for Phase two will be determined once the in-depth assessment is completed, as rubble and debris needed to be removed to allow for a comprehensive evaluation.