Baragwanath Hospital Faces Another Laundry Crisis as Clean Linen Shortage Affects Patients

Clean Linen Shortage at Baragwanath Hospital Sparks Health Concerns

Johannesburg’s Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital is once again battling a severe clean linen shortage, affecting patients and medical procedures.

Johannesburg – April 2025

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the world’s third-largest medical facility, is facing yet another laundry crisis as a shortage of clean linen disrupts patient care. The issue stems from broken-down washing machines at the Dunswart provincial laundry, while new machinery intended to fix the hospital’s in-house laundry remains in storage.

Linen Crisis Puts Patients at Risk

With piles of unwashed linen accumulating, patients and staff are dealing with unsanitary conditions that increase the risk of infections. Relatives of patients have reportedly resorted to bringing their own linen as hospital supplies dwindle. Additionally, non-emergency surgeries may soon be cancelled due to the lack of clean sheets and gowns.

This is not the first time Baragwanath Hospital has faced such a crisis. A similar linen shortage in November 2024 lasted several weeks, raising concerns about the hospital’s ability to provide basic healthcare necessities.

Calls for Action as Leadership Faces Scrutiny

The Gauteng Health Department has stated that infrastructure technicians are working on resolving the issue. However, critics argue that the hospital’s leadership, including CEO Dr. Nthabiseng Makgana, should be held accountable. The DA in Gauteng has reiterated its call for Makgana’s dismissal, citing her irregular appointment and lack of required qualifications.

A Critical Healthcare Institution in Crisis

Baragwanath Hospital, located in Soweto, Johannesburg, serves thousands of patients daily, with approximately 70% of admissions being emergencies. The hospital’s capacity includes around 3,200 beds and a staff of 6,760, making the ongoing linen crisis a major public health concern.

Healthcare professionals and patient advocacy groups have urged the Gauteng Health Department to explore private laundry services as an immediate solution while long-term fixes are implemented.

The recurring linen shortages at Baragwanath Hospital highlight systemic issues within the Gauteng healthcare system. Patients, staff, and advocacy groups continue to push for urgent interventions to prevent another crisis in the future.

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