CoE to investigate Edenvale Clinic allegations

In light of the concerns raised by community member Lettie Seedat regarding the professionalism of the staff at Edenvale Clinic, the City of Ekurhuleni thanked her for bringing her concerns to its attention and apologised for the inconvenience caused to her.

In the October 6 edition of the NEWS, Seedat spoke about her concerns about the staff’s professionalism after two visits to the clinic earlier this year.

Seedat who works in Longmeadow Business Estate went to the clinic at the end of February and then again on July 13 when she needed to have Covid-19 tests done.

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Some of the concerns Seedat raised included:

• What she described as a lack of privacy afforded to her when informing clinic staff why she was at the facility in February
• Waiting approximately five hours to have her tests done in July
• Having to argue with clinic staff to use its bathroom while she and others waited for the Covid-19 tests
• Clinic staff doing the Covid-19 tests and announcing the results tests in front of others who were waiting to have tests done

In response to the NEWS’ enquiry, CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the management of the clinic will look into the allegations raised by Seedat.

“Management will ensure that the staff always act professionally, especially around Covid-19 testing,” said Dlamini.

He explained that the clinic was declared a testing site in 2020.

“Initially, Covid-19 tests were done inside the clinic, which was later moved outside because of a risk assessment conducted,” explained Dlamini.

He said the reason the Covid-19 tests were moved outside the clinic was to minimise the risk of infections.

Zweli said according to the Patient’s Rights Charter, patients have the right to privacy and confidentiality.

He highlighted that staff at Edenvale Clinic strive to comply with the charter at all times.

“The screening and triaging of patients in the mornings are done outside the clinic building in front of other people.”

Zweli said this is done to comply with Covid-19 protocols and regulations, which require social distancing and to prevent crowding.

“There is no structure outside the clinic that can be used to screen clients before entering the waiting area of the clinic.”

Zweli said there are multiple reasons someone may experience extended waiting periods while waiting for their Covid-19 test at the clinic.

He added duties are allocated in the morning at the clinic; however, this depends on staff availability.

“Normal clinic services like an expanded programme on immunisation (baby clinic) continues daily. The Covid-19 testing and vaccination programmes impact the waiting time.

“Some of the staff members have been taken to conduct Covid-19 vaccinations outside of the clinic, which further prolongs waiting time at the clinic.”

Zweli said the lack of staff, normal clinic duties and the prioritisation of emergencies impact the waiting time.

Zweli confirmed with the NEWS that individuals waiting to be tested for Covid-19 are allowed to use the toilets at the Edenvale Clinic.

“The clinic manager was instructed to inform all staff members to allow everyone to use the ablution facilities.”

In response to Seedat’s concerns regarding the Covid-19 testing and the announcing of the results, Zweli said the clinic manager was requested to ensure that confidentiality is maintained at all times.

“It is unfortunate that Seedat was not afforded confidentiality.”

Zweli emphasised that Covid-19 test results are not supposed to be announced in front of other individuals.

“After tests are done, results are held for a specific time and eventually the client should sign for them,” said Zweli.

“Management will look into what happened in Seedat’s case.”

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