Steve Biko Academic Hospital to Undertake Planned Electrical Repairs
Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria will undergo planned electrical infrastructure repairs on Saturday, 22 August 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the facility’s electricity supply system.
The Gauteng Department of Health says the work will result in a temporary electricity interruption on Levels 8 and 9 of the hospital from 09:00 to 13:00. The affected levels house critical services, including Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Neonatal and Paediatric units, as well as six theatres, wards and critical care units.
The department says the repairs are necessary to ensure that the hospital’s generators automatically take over within seconds during a municipal power interruption, reducing the risk of delays that could affect patient care.
The hospital has put contingency measures in place to protect patients and maintain essential clinical services. High risk patients in the affected areas have been identified and temporarily moved to suitable areas within the hospital. Patients requiring respiratory support have also been relocated to areas where they can continue receiving appropriate care.
A total of 33 elective surgeries scheduled for the Level 8 theatre on Friday have been rescheduled. However, emergency surgeries will continue using theatres located on levels that will not be affected by the electrical interruption.
The Department of Health says returning the hospital to normal operations is expected to take approximately 16 hours, as relocated patients will need to be moved back to their original spaces.
The repairs form part of ongoing work to strengthen the hospital’s electrical infrastructure and Uninterruptible Power Supply system. The department says the interventions are aimed at reducing the risk of prolonged power disruptions and ensuring safe and uninterrupted healthcare services.
The Gauteng Department of Health says a further planned intervention will take place at a later stage and will focus on Level 6, which is the final level scheduled for the repairs.
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