Specialised paramedics called in to transfer babies from Govt hospitals because of strike

ER24 (& NetCare 911) have been called upon by Government to assist with the safe transportation of critically ill babies from King Edward VIII hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit through to various Private hospitals in and around the Greater Durban area. These include Isipingo Medical Towers, Kingsway hospital, Life : Westville hospital & Life : Chatsmed hospital. The reason for the request is that there is insufficient staff, during the strike, to cope with the number of ill babies. The strike action by union Government workers has forced doctors and hospital management to rather move the babies to where they can be adequately cared for. The strike action has left the children in extreme danger. These are the sickest of the sick babies, requiring specialist equipment and specially trained staff to care for them.

ER24’s Advanced Life Support Critical Care team was called in to assist and over 3 babies have been moved in the specially equipped ambulance. According to our paramedics, Netcare 911 have moved about 7 babies. (Chris Botha to confirm). Special transport incubators and ventilators which are specifically designed for the ventilation of new born babies have been used. Most of these babies have been born prematurely and their little lungs are not fully developed. They require ventilation and medication and specialist care until their lungs grow enough to allow the babies to breath properly on their own. The private sector has always been here to complement the existing government sector and we are pleased to report that this Public Private Partnership has worked to save the lives of these very tiny little VIP’s.

During the strike action, ER24 has placed extra resources on duty to cope with the added workload. Whilst we sympathise with the plight of the healthcare workers, as well as with government, we cannot standby as healthcare professionals and watch patients suffer or die as result of the strike. Questions have been raised by the media as to whether this is a profitable business venture by the private Emergency Medical Service (EMS) companies. It is not. We have not negotiated payment from Government and we are not guaranteed to be paid. Right now we are putting lives first and finances later.

I will keep you updated of any more developments as they happen. We have been asked to move additional adult patients to various hospitals in the Durban area as well. 7 patients are currently being transported by ambulance to Umhlanga hospital.