Gauteng Health suspends Thelle Mogoerane nurses for failure to provide adequate patient care

Thelle Mogoerane nurses suspended for failure to provide adequate patient care

Three nurses at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital were on Thursday, 23 November, placed on precautionary suspension pending investigations into their failure to provide adequate patient care to a minor who was admitted in a ward they are responsible for. 

This follows prompt intervention by the MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) senior managers who conducted an oversight visit at night on Wednesday (22 November) after learning of a complaint by a mother on the condition of her child. 

Due to the mother being distressed after laying a number of complaints with the nurses on the poor care her child was receiving, she resorted to recording a video that showed the condition her minor child who was sitting on a bed with soiled linen. The video was subsequently shared on social media platforms.

A redress meeting between the mother and the hospital team (treating doctor, Paediatric head of department, quality manager, quality coordinator, Area manager, Nurse Service Manager and the acting CEO) was held on Thursday. The mother expressed satisfaction at the interventions being made. 

The patient was moved to another ward where he is receiving the adequate care needed to improve his health condition.

The GDoH apologises to the family of the minor for the lapse in service. This is totally against the oath of office taken by healthcare professional and is contrary to Batho Pele principles.

The incident happens at the backdrop of the department having just launched a provincial campaign called I Serve with A Smile which is aimed at addressing staff attitude as well as bolster morale amongst healthcare workers in order to improve patient experience of care and reduce patient dissatisfaction and complaints.

The campaign seeks to encourage every healthcare worker to approach their work with a smile, enthusiasm, empathy and a friendly demeanourremembering that the heart of the health profession lies in serving and caring for our patients.

The corrective measures being taken against the Thelle Mogoerane employees is part of the efforts by the department to discourage behaviour that is in conflict with public service ethos and the health profession. 
 
For more information please contact: 
Motalatale Modiba, Head of Communication
Cell: 064 803 0808 
Email: healthmediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za
Tshepo Shawa, Spokesperson for the MEC for Health
Cell: 072 222 6333 
Email: Tshepo.Shawa@gauteng.gov.za