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A hospital ward
National nursing association Denosa has called on both the Northern Cape Health MEC Maruping Lekwene and the department’s HOD to step down.
The call follows the findings of the Health Ombudsman, which reflected the systematic failures of the department following the death of two people, and patient neglect at both the Northern Cape Mental Hospital and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital.
Denosa says it is against recommendations that only nursing staff and doctors are to be hauled before disciplinary bodies.
Denosa’s provincial chairperson, Gilbert Sak, says they demand that the department address staff shortages, and that more nursing students be enrolled and fully equipped at colleges.
“It is, however, alarmingly dismaying and worth noting that recommendations pertaining to the corrective disciplinary action are skewed and unilaterally point to the clinicians, for example, nurses and doctors.
“Henceforth, make an unequivocal clarion call to the Honourable Premier, Dr Zamani Saul to lead these investigations by equally subjecting the Northern Cape Department of Health’s provincial leadership, which includes the Honourable Lekwene, the HOD of Health, who occupied this report.”
Health Ombud releases investigation findings into two NC hospitals
