The Gauteng Health Department has announced the suspension of five nurses from the Steve Biko Academic Hospital following allegations of gross negligence.
The incident in question occurred at the hospital’s emergency unit on February 25 and was captured on video by a member of the public.
In the video, a 28-year-old man is seen sitting on the floor while two individuals hold him down. Others can be heard urgently calling for assistance, expressing frustration at the lack of immediate action.
The nurses eventually arrive and quickly remove the patient from the scene. Unfortunately, the patient later passed away while receiving treatment at the hospital.
The department expressed its regret over the incident and stated that the facility management is actively engaging with the affected family to address the situation. In addition, counselling services have been offered to the family to provide support during this difficult time.
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This incident comes at a time when the hospital is implementing measures to enhance the overall patient experience. The Gauteng health department recently launched the “I Serve with A Smile” campaign, a change management program aimed at improving staff attitudes and the quality of services provided.
While the investigation into the alleged negligence is ongoing, the suspension of the five nurses demonstrates the seriousness with which the hospital management and the health department are treating this matter. It is crucial to maintain high standards of care and accountability within the healthcare system to ensure the well-being and safety of patients.
