The Gauteng Department of Health says it is accelerating the recruitment process to fill critical vacant posts at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital amid concerns over staff shortages and service delivery challenges at the facility.
In a statement issued on Friday, the department said vacancies in medical, nursing, clinical support, therapeutic services and administration have negatively affected clinical oversight and contributed to long waiting times and patient complaints.
Steve Mabona, Gauteng Department of Health’s spokesperson said several recruitment processes are already underway, with some interviews completed and other posts still in various stages of recruitment and advertisement.
“Interviews have already been conducted for six doctors, one nursing position and three clinical support and therapeutic services personnel, who are expected to begin work in June and July,” Mabona said.
He confirmed that out of 25 medical positions, 22 have been advertised and eight candidates shortlisted. Eight nursing positions have also been advertised, with two candidates shortlisted so far.
“In addition, four clinical support and therapeutic services posts have been advertised, while three applicants have already been shortlisted as part of efforts to speed up the recruitment process,” Mabona said.
He added that the intervention is aimed at ensuring that healthcare services at the hospital are not compromised.
“The new medical equipment, including defibrillators, monitors and infusion pumps, has already been delivered to the hospital. Additional equipment, including ventilators, examination lamps, mobile screens and anaesthetic machines, is expected to be procured during the current financial year in line with the hospital’s demand plan,” said Mabona.
The department also provided an update on repairs following the 2025 fire at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit.
“Repairs are being carried out in two phases. The first phase, which covered less severely damaged areas, has already been completed and included clearing, cleaning and refurbishment work supported by donor organisation Spire Fund,” he said.
Phase two involves sections that were extensively damaged by the fire. The department said a detailed cost assessment is still underway after rubble and debris had to be removed to allow for a full evaluation of the damage.
“The final cost of repairs for the second phase will only be determined once the assessment process has been completed,” Mabona concluded.
