The Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development will this week conclude its investigation into the conduct of three nurses who were suspended, after the death of a 12 year old at Edenvale hospital on the Gauteng East Rand.
Samukelisiwe Sikhundla was admitted at the hospital on June 19 with tonsillitis, but died of fractured skull and a dislocated spine. As a pre-cautionary measure; three nurses who were on duty were suspended pending the investigation by the department. The three nurses have been interviewed by the investigation team and the family will soon be interviewed. Should the investigation reveal any misconduct on the part of the three nurses, disciplinary action will be taken.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development, Qedani Mahlangu reiterates that incompetency, negligence and misconduct have no place in the public hospitals in the province.
“It is unacceptable that patients who come with the hope of being cured from their ailments end up dying in our hospital,” says Mahlangu.
She says those found to be guilty of these acts will be kicked out of the system and if they are also found to be criminally liable for their actions, the law must take its course.
Members of the public experiencing poor service at hospitals are encouraged to report these by MEC Mahlangu through a call centre which operates 24 hours provided bellow.
Call centre:
Tel: 011 488 4394
011 488 4366
011 488 4351
011 488 4445
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Teddy Gomba
Cell: 071 673 7897
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development Gauteng Provincial Government
15 July 2009
