Fire breaks out at Joburg hospital's psychiatry ward after patient allegedly sets fire to bed
A fire broke out at the female psychiatry ward of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital on Monday, but no injuries were reported, the Gauteng Department of Health confirmed.
According to the department, the fire was started by a mental health patient who “set fire to her bed while demanding to be discharged.”
“Fortunately, there are no injuries sustained as a result of this incident,” the department said.
Hospital security personnel responded promptly, and the City of Johannesburg Fire Department also attended the scene to extinguish the fire and clear smoke from the affected area.
As a precaution, patients were temporarily relocated from the ward to allow for a thorough investigation. Police were on-site to assist.
The department emphasised that hospital management and staff acted swiftly to safeguard the well-being of all patients.
“Hospital management and staff have taken immediate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients in the ward,” the department said.
The Gauteng Department of Health has directed the public to submit complaints and compliments regarding patient care to their official channels.
IOL News