8 June 2007
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health wishes to inform the people of
KwaZulu-Natal that the public service strike action has now affected the
Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) in the following places: Manguzi,
Mseleni, and Ethekwini. In these places there is no staff to render
services.
The situation in all hospitals is worsening but there are staff members who
have braved intimidations as well as volunteers. The general picture in terms
of attendance is currently at below 50% attendance but optimally operational
generally in the province. We are also worried about the increased number of
bomb threats in hospitals. So far these have been received from Addington
Hospital which has received three threats as well as Wentworth Hospital.
It is our view that this kind of desertion is unwarranted and we are
thankful to those who have not joined this callous action by Emergency
Practitioners. We wish to make a plea on their conscience to prevail on them so
that we can render the much needed emergency services to the poor people of our
province.
The department remains committed to ensuring that the people of
KwaZulu-Natal are accorded their constitutional right to emergency healthcare
services and would implement contingency plans in order to quell the situation
in the affected areas. Where access is difficult we have made available our
choppers to evacuate patients. We, once again, wish to thank all our people who
are volunteering their services and the healthcare workers who are risking
their lives for the people of this province.
Mr Leon Mbangwa
General Manager: Corporate Communications
Cell: 083 459 8695
Mr Nhlanhla Nkosi
Cell: 083 459 1922
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
8 June 2007
