Paarl Hospital fire: R67 million investment secures recovery and future resilience
The Western Cape Government has allocated R67 million to rebuild and strengthen Paarl Hospital following a recent fire, with the funding confirmed by Western Cape Minister of Finance Deidré Baartman in last week’s tabling of the Provincial Budget.
This investment will fast-track the repair and rebuilding of key infrastructure, including the Outpatient Department (OPD), and replacing damaged equipment - while strengthening the hospital’s capacity to serve the growing Drakenstein community. It is not only about restoring what was lost, but about building back stronger.
Work to restore the OPD has moved at pace over the past month. In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the damaged roof structure was removed and repairs began. Within weeks, the roof has been fully reconstructed, with interior restoration now underway. Additional areas, including waiting spaces and reception areas, are also being repaired and upgraded as part of the broader recovery effort.
Despite the damage, all services at Paarl Hospital remain fully operational, with some delivered from alternative locations within the facility to ensure continuity of care. Services that were temporarily unavailable following the fire, including audiology, the kiosk and the Department of Home Affairs, have now been fully restored.
Patients attending the OPD are now received in a temporary waiting area on the ground floor and are guided by staff to the correct service points. This system has been put in place to support patient flow and ensure that no one is left uncertain about where to go.
Special arrangements are also in place to support patients with mobility challenges. Where the temporary staircase cannot be used, patients are assisted through alternative access routes, including via the radiology department.
Limited lift availability remains a challenge, but teams on the ground are actively managing this to minimise inconvenience and ensure that care remains accessible to all.
Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said the progress at Paarl Hospital reflects the strength and adaptability of the province’s healthcare system.
“While the fire caused real disruption, what we have seen in the weeks since is a system that has adapted quickly to continue delivering care. Our teams have worked around the clock to restore services, support patients, and rebuild critical infrastructure.
This R67 million investment is not only about repairing what was damaged. It is about building back stronger, ensuring that Paarl Hospital can continue to serve its community safely and reliably for years to come.”
Head of Department for Health and Wellness, Dr Keith Cloete, said the department’s focus has been on maintaining access to care while accelerating recovery efforts.
“Our priority from day one has been to ensure that patients continue to receive the care they need without interruption. At the same time, we have moved quickly to stabilise the facility and began rebuilding. The rapid progress is a testament to the dedication of our teams and the resilience of our systems to respond under pressure.”
The Western Cape Government extends its gratitude to healthcare workers, support staff, and patients for their patience and resilience during this period. Recovery work at the hospital will continue over the coming months.
Media Queries:
Robyn Thomson
Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Health and Wellness
Email: robyn.thomson@westerncape.gov.za