- Only 13 medical officers cover 15 critical service areas
- 189 nurses tasked with covering all wards and departments
- ICU operations suspended due to inadequate staffing
- Shortages undermine service delivery at the region’s main referral facility
- Forces increased patient costly referrals to other health facilities
The health sector in the North West District is facing mounting pressure as critical staff shortages continue to undermine service delivery at the region’s main referral facility, Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital.
Addressing the Full Council, Chairperson Itumeleng Kelebetseng painted a concerning picture of a hospital operating at just 60 percent of its required staffing levels, leaving key departments overstretched and patients vulnerable to delays in care.
According to Kelebetseng, the hospital currently has only 13 medical officers covering 15 critical service areas, including Accident and Emergency, theatre, the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and outpatient services. The shortage of specialists particularly a general surgeon and an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist has further compounded the situation, forcing increased patient referrals to other facilities and driving up healthcare costs.
Nursing services are equally under strain. With 189 nurses tasked with covering all wards and departments, staffing levels often drop to just one or two nurses per shift in some units. The shortages extend beyond clinical staff, affecting radiology, administration, and maintenance key areas that support diagnostics, hospital operations, and infrastructure upkeep.
“These gaps are not just numbers; they directly impact the quality and timeliness of care provided to our people,” Kelebetseng indicated, stressing the urgency of addressing the staffing crisis.
The impact of these shortages is already visible. While the hospital’s ICU managed to admit 16 patients since August 2025, operations have since been suspended due to inadequate staffing, effectively limiting access to critical care services in the district.
Despite the challenges, the hospital has demonstrated resilience. In a show of corporate social responsibility, it donated P10,000 to Bana Ba Letsatsi in February 2026, reflecting a continued commitment to community welfare even under strain.
However, the broader picture remains concerning. Limited human resources are not only affecting patient care but also placing additional pressure on existing staff, increasing the risk of burnout and further weakening service delivery.
Kelebetseng acknowledged that while the hospital continues to provide essential services to the region, urgent interventions are required to stabilise staffing levels, attract specialists, and strengthen support services.
The situation at Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital highlights a wider challenge facing the district’s health system: balancing a growing demand for healthcare with limited resources.
