Pretoria - The two staff members who were allegedly involved in the rape of a female patient at a Free State hospital have been suspended.
A female patient admitted in the oncology ward at Universitas Hospital Annex, located at National District Hospital premises, was allegedly sexually assaulted on 16 October by one of the nursing personnel on duty.
It is believed the crime was perpetrated by a male nurse whilst his female colleague looked on.
"The two staff members alleged to have committed the crime have been requested not to report for duty until the investigation has been concluded," Ngubentombi said on Tuesday.
Expressing shock and dismay at the alleged incident, Ngubentombi warned that if this is found to be true, those responsible must be severely punished without any fear of favour.
"Patient safety is one of our important mandates and a non-negotiable, when sick people come to our institutions, they must be treated with care and compassion... we must always safeguard the dignity of our people without fail."
She added that a thorough internal departmental investigation by the provincial quality assurance unit was being conducted so that those found guilty could be punished accordingly or if not, be cleared.
"These measures by the department will unfold side by side with the police investigation, which has also been on site to take statements to continue investigations," Ngubentombi explained.
The department, through the management of Universitas Hospital, has also met with the family and availed the services of a social worker to give emotional support to the patient.
