The forensic pathology services facility in New Brighton has been temporarily closed after the department of employment and labour issued a prohibition notice on Monday.
The concerns raised by the inspector include the lack of cleanliness of the facility.
According to the notice, employees were exposed to hazardous biological agents, bodily fluids on the floors and unclean surfaces.
In addition, decomposed human bodies were kept at the facility.
“I will consider revoking or amending this prohibition notice only after arrangements to my satisfaction have been made to dispose of or substantially reduce the threat which gave rise to the imposition of this prohibition,” the notice said.
Eastern Cape health department spokesperson Siyanda Manana said in a statement the department was moving speedily to address the issues raised.
“The concerns raised by the inspector include the cleanliness of the facility.”
Manana said until the concerns had been addressed, bodies would be kept at the Gelvandale forensic pathology services facility.
“Employees from the New Brighton facility will also be temporarily moved to Gelvandale while the department implements [additional] measures.
“This includes the department appointing a service provider for deep cleaning and pest control using an existing contract from Livingstone Hospital.
“Two senior forensic pathology services officials have been sent to the New Brighton facility to oversee the process of addressing the issues.”
He said it was expected that the issues would be addressed by next week.
The Herald
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