22 June 2007
The Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) condemns the striking public
servants' threats and intimidation tactics that they use to prevent our
committed employees from serving patients at hospitals and clinics.
The department was appalled to learn that strikers wielding sticks and other
dangerous material prevented nurses from entering some of our hospitals this
morning. The matter has been reported to the police and is under investigation.
We hope that culprits will be brought to book.
We want to commend our staff for showing commitment to their work and
disregarding the threats. We also commend the sterling work by South African
Police Service, South African National Defence Force members and private
security agencies that are safeguarding our institutions and staff.
The department wishes to remind relatives of people who have their family
members in our institution that there is a hotline number that people can use
to make enquiries about their relatives in our hospitals.
Anyone who wishes to know how a patient is doing at any hospital in KZN can
call the Operation Centre on a toll free number: 0800 005 133. The Operation
Centre will call the hospital and make enquiries about the patient and call the
relative back home with information.
Enquiries:
Mr Leon Mbangwa
General Manager: Corporate Communication
Cell: 083 459 8695
Dr Busi Nyembezi
Cell: 083 459 1172
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
22 June 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za/)
