NEGLIGENCE CASES PILE UP AT GERMISTON HOSPITAL

I am very concerned by negligence cases at the Germiston Hospital, which is building up a bad reputation in this regard.

The latest case is that of 70-year-old Mrs Jenny Marais, who was not assisted by nurses to go to the toilet and subsequently fell in the toilet and injured herself last Saturday night.

Her face and arm are very bruised. She is only having an x-ray today to check if she has broken her arm.

Recently, there were two other reported cases where families complain that their relatives left the hospital worse than when they entered it.

According to Mr John Nielsen, nurses did not assist him to go to the toilet. They swore at him and ripped off the plaster holding the drip in his arm, leaving it blistered and with a deep gash.

According to the family of the late Mr Cornelius van Niekerk, he was also badly treated by nurses who said "That's your problem" when they said they could not feed, clean and treat him adequately.

I have spoken to hospital CEO Mrs Christina Mndaweni about Mrs Marais' case, and the problem appears to be far broader.

Some nurses seem not to be doing their job, and patients are suffering.

Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu should send an investigation team to this hospital and ensure that patients get proper care and respect.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom, MPL, Democratic Alliance Gauteng health spokesman, October 13 2009

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