New Bara hospital acting CEO was implicated in the Esidimeni tragedy

by Jack Bloom MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC

The Democratic Alliance welcomes the removal of Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Acting CEO Dr Sifiso Maseko, but I am concerned that questions still remain about the role played by the new Acting CEO Dr Richard Lebethe in the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

As Deputy Director General Clinical Services Dr Lebethe was in a position to raise concerns about the botched transfer of Esidimeni psychiatric patients, and he was one of the senior officials blamed by former Gauteng Health Qedani Mahlangu.

Earlier this year I asked Gauteng Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa whether there would be a disciplinary process concerning his role in the Esidimeni disaster, and she said that this was being assessed in the light of the testimony at the Arbitration hearings chaired by Justice Dikgang Moseneke.

It is unfortunate that there is a cloud over Lebethe’s head as he takes over the top position at this major hospital.

The real need at this hospital is for a permanent CEO with dynamic leadership skills, but there has been an inexcusable delay in appointing such a person since Qedani Mahlangu removed the previous CEO in January 2016.

Ramokgopa should ensure that corruption allegations at the hospital are speedily investigated and a capable new CEO appointed as soon as possible.