Cape Town – The Gauteng health department says that three nurses at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital in Vosloorus, must face a case after allegedly leaving a sick child in a bed with soiled linen.
In a statement, the department said the health workers have been suspended pending investigations.
The decision followed an unplanned visit by Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoka, prompted by a video shared on social media by the distressed mother of the sick child, highlighting poor conditions.
“Due to the mother being distressed after laying a number of complaints with the nurses on the poor care her child was receiving, she resorted to recording a video that showed the condition of her minor child who was sitting on a bed with soiled linen.
“The video was subsequently shared on social media platforms. A redress meeting between the mother and the hospital team (treating doctor, paediatric head of department, quality manager, quality co-ordinator, area manager, nurse service manager and the acting CEO was held on Thursday.
MEDIA STATEMENT || THELLE MOGOERANE NURSES SUSPENDED FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PATIENT CARE pic.twitter.com/qZVaMGUUbt
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) November 24, 2023
The mother expressed satisfaction at the interventions being made. The patient was moved to another ward where he is receiving the adequate care needed to improve his health condition,” department spokesperson Motaletale Modiba said.
The department expressed regret over the incident, apologising to the family and stating that such behavior contradicts the oath of healthcare professionals.
“The GDoH apologises to the family of the minor for the lapse in service. This is totally against the oath of office taken by healthcare professionals and is contrary to Batho Pele principles. The incident happens against the backdrop of the department having just launched a provincial campaign called ‘I Serve with A Smile’ which is aimed at addressing staff attitude as well as bolstering morale among healthcare workers to improve patient experience of care and reduce patient dissatisfaction and complaints.
“The campaign seeks to encourage every healthcare worker to approach their work with a smile, enthusiasm, empathy and a friendly demeanour remembering that the heart of the health profession lies in serving and caring for our patients. The corrective measures being taken against the Thelle Mogoerane employees is part of the efforts by the department to discourage behaviour that is in conflict with public service ethos and the health profession,” the department said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
