History of Wentworth Hospital

The hospital was first known as a Royal Navy Auxiliary Hospital in 1943. In 1948 NPA purchased the hospital for 600 pounds (380 beds- were for TB and infectious diseases). In 1957 the cardiothoracic surgery was first performed and in 1958 plastic surgery was done.

In 1967 the hospital had its post basic diploma in intensive nursing. In 1968 it opened its doors to a neurosurgery. In 1975 its first CT Scan was installed. Major expansion in specialized services like Cardiology, Cardio Thoracic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was seen. In 1980 the first non invasive cardiac laboratory was build and in 1983 a cardiac catheterization laboratory was also built. In 1968 the hospital demolished some wards but also rebuilt others and in 1987 all racially discriminatory signs were removed. In the 1990’s a second cardiac catheterization theatre and MRI scanner was installed. Also the 1990’ the cranio-facial unit was transferred to Grey’s hospital.

In 2002 the first phase of decommissioning of special services took place and on the 7th of December 2002 the neurosurgery and neurology was transferred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital. On the 22nd of February 2003 the plastic and reconstructive surgery was transferred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital and on the 12th of July 2003 cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery went to Inkosi Albert Luthuli.

In 2003 the hospital was commissioned as a District hospital. In September 2003 the advisory health care desk and out patient department was opened to accommodate emergencies only.

In November 2003 the first ward with 30 beds (medical acute – overnight stay ward) was opened. In 2004, 19 January more wards were opened: B3 (25 beds), C4 (26 beds) and C5 (25 beds).

n 2004 D5, a male a male medical ward which was a 20 bedded ward opened and on the 1st of April 2004 the Accident and Emergencies was opened also with the casualty theatre. In August 2004 D4 a social/ temporary which was only 8 bedded. On the 15th of November 2004, D3 the medical was commissioned with 20 beds. On the 1st of July 2005 ward D6 a female ward was opened.

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