17 DOCTORS RESIGN FROM LERATONG HOSPITAL
Seventeen doctors have resigned from Leratong Hospital on the West Rand so far this year.
This shock figure is revealed in a written reply to my questions by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu.
This hospital faces a staff crisis as there are now 29 vacancies for doctors and 52 vacancies for nurses.
I receive many complaints about this hospital from patients who feel they were badly treated. Cases include the following:
- The death of a 20-year-old man after slow attention at casualty
- Extreme abuse of a patient, including insults because she had a lesbian partner
- Staff refusing to assist patients go to the toilets which are often very dirty
The root of this problem is bad management. Doctors are leaving because they are poorly managed and staff are not properly disciplined after complaints.
The immediate problem is that Leratong is a FIFA-designated hospital for the Soccer World Cup, but is poorly prepared for the extra casualties from rowdy soccer fans let alone any full-scale disaster.
Strong action is needed to turn this hospital around so that it provides a proper service.
Statement issued by Jack Bloom, MPL, Democratic Alliance Gauteng health spokesman, June 14 2010
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