Pretoria - Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu has expressed concern about the number of attacks on health professionals in public health facilities.
MEC Mahlangu has called on patients, their family members and the public to refrain from physically and verbally abusing health professionals.
There were 20 assaults at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, nine at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, seven at Pholosong Hospital and four at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital.
“It is disturbing that during the period from January 2015 to date, about 65 health professionals were assaulted while performing their duties at our facilities,” said MEC Mahlangu
The department said patients who experience difficulties in any health institution must report their concerns to quality assurance officers based at the institutions. If they are not satisfied, they must report to facility managers (CEO or clinic manager). Their concerns will be thoroughly investigated.
Measures to curb attacks
The department has put in place the following measures to try to prevent attacks on health workers:
- Security personnel are allocated at the emergency medical departments and mental health wards (high risk ward). Physical barriers are also present.
- Patients brought in by the police or Correctional Services are kept under guard and psychiatric hospitals staff is continuously trained on management of aggressive patients.
- Aggressive and violent patients in wards are sedated and isolated in seclusion rooms. All wards at psychiatric hospitals have CCTV cameras to assist in monitoring patients continuously.
“Health professionals are also encouraged to treat patients with care, dignity, respect and act with constraint even during confrontation. Attacks on health professionals are completely unacceptable. It will not be tolerated.
“Health professionals should be respected and protected by society as they are vital in the delivery of quality health care. Such violent actions are taken seriously and will be reported to the police,” MEC Mahlangu said. – SAnews.gov.za
