Patients’ lives are at risk at the Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Vosloorus as staff have downed tools because of a lack of security after unpaid guards went on strike.
I visited the hospital today and found a heavy police presence and loud demonstrations by staff.
The hospital has been closed to all new patients including emergency cases, which are being diverted to other hospitals.
This is a crisis situation caused by the non-payment of the security company that employs the hospital’s guards.
Medical staff feel unsafe without the security which is why they are protesting and ceasing work.
I am appalled that the department’s financial mismanagement has led to this situation.
Urgent action is needed to pay the security company and fix the management problems at this hospital.