Today, the Gauteng Health department summarily dismissed a senior surgeon for gross negligence and contravention of theatre protocols.
The department received reports and statements suggesting that a surgeon who was based at Pholosong Hospital, Ekurhuleni, left a patient on the operating table. His colleagues had to, on more than one occasion, plead with him to go back and complete the procedure. He is also alleged to have entered the theatre without ‘scrubbing’ – wearing his personal jeans and not washed, as per protocol - violating theatre protocols.
“In view of the seriousness of the allegations, having seen statements from all staff present on the day as well as the doctor’s response to his initial suspension; the department was left with no option but to effect a summary dismissal,” says Gauteng MEC for Health, Ms Qedani Mahlangu.
“The department’s decision is a clear and strong message to its entire professional staff for our intolerance to all forms of professional misconduct,” added MEC Mahlangu. “It is also a reminder of their professional ethics and oath.”
The matter will also be escalated to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
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