Cape Town — The Gauteng Health Department is investigating the accusations made by former broadcaster, Tom London (51), about the medical staff at Helen Joseph Hospital.
In a video which has trended across social media, London revealed the poor treatment of patients by all the doctors at the hospital
“They treat the patients like cockroaches. I haven’t seen one doctor walk up to the patient and say ‘Good morning Mr so-and-so, how are you?’. Nothing. They treat the patients with disdain and disrespect,” he said.
He also revealed the poor state of the facilities, including cracking walls and ceilings, no electricity outlets, and no running water.
Tom London has leveled serious accusations against the healthcare professionals at Helen Joseph Hospital, asserting that they display a concerning lack of empathy and compassion in their treatment of patients.
A video captured by London appears to reveal shocking… pic.twitter.com/da3GUVhEgg
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) September 8, 2024
In response to the video and allegations made London, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, met with the management team at the hospital where she was appraised about the care given to London, a statement read.
“Having received a briefing from the clinicians on the treatment given to Tom London, the department is satisfied that adequate clinical care was discharged to manage his condition,” Health spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba said.
He said that the department was willing to allow an independent process to review the quality of care London received while at the hospital.
Modiba acknowledged the infrastructure issues that were tended to as part of a refurbishment programme, but this would not have affected the treatment patients received.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba says a report by a clinician indicates that all necessary steps were taken, to ensure adequate treatment for media personality Tom London during his stay at Helen Joseph Hospital. He however concedes that the facility does have… pic.twitter.com/1sqLXxMF8Z
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 8, 2024
In an interview with eNCA, London clarified that his comments about Helen Joseph Hospital were misunderstood. He said that he had no complaints about the quality of medical treatment he received, but was concerned with the attitudes of some health professionals.
“People are confusing what I said here. I haven’t said Helen Joseph is a bad clinical hospital, I was treated properly all the way through this experience. However, the treatment of the doctors towards me and the patients around me was something that shocked me,” he said.
He said he had seen 70-80 doctors interact with patients and it was how they spoke to the patients that he took issue with.
London said many of the conversations between doctors and patients lacked humanity and empathy, and when he had seen too much of it, he had enough.
Former broadcaster Tom London says his comments on social media are being confused. He posted a video criticising poor conditions at Helen Joseph Hospital. He now says he received good clinical treatment but was appalled at the attitude of health professionals. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/vTrItoW754
— eNCA (@eNCA) September 9, 2024
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Picture: Facebook/Helen Joseph Hospital
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
