The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane (in a hat), and officials, speaking with patients at Wentworth Hospital.
Image: Facebook/KZN Department of Health
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, conducted an unannounced evening visit to Wentworth Hospital following a surge in public complaints.
Arriving just before 8pm, she encountered and experienced first-hand some of the challenges that were reported by the public.
Simelane expressed serious concern over health services and management issues.
She was later joined by HOD Penny Msimango and district management, signaling imminent intervention. Simelane has directed management to submit an urgent turnaround plan.
Recent complaints included:
- A mother left cradling her young daughter writhing in pain on a patch of grass outside the hospital after she was allegedly discharged from the emergency unit with only paracetamol.
- A woman was allegedly denied medical care and ended up giving birth on the grass outside the hospital’s Accident and Emergency area, in full view of patients and visitors.