According to the Gauteng Health Department, a Bertha Gxowa Hospital’s Psychiatric Ward patient recently caused a fire in his room.
The incident occurred when the patient lit a cigarette and accidentally dropped a match onto a blanket. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
Motalatale Modiba, the spokesperson for the department, provided details about the incident. He explained that the patient had been in a seclusion room when he decided to smoke. Unfortunately, he carelessly discarded the matchstick onto a nearby blanket, which led to smouldering smoke and a small fire.
Following the incident, the room was promptly cleaned and inspected to ensure the safety of other patients. The male patient involved in the incident has since been transferred to a seclusion room in another ward for the continuation of his treatment.
Upon reviewing CCTV footage, it was discovered that a female visitor had managed to sneak in a cigarette and a matchbox into the patient’s secluded room.
This incident highlights the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations of health facilities. The department is now urging the public to refrain from bringing prohibited substances into such places, as it poses risks to both patients and employees.
