I’m one of the pregnant patients at Brackenhurst Clinic. On July 26, I arrived at the clinic for my 26 weeks checkup and the nurse refused to attend to me because I arrived at 09:30.
When I explained to her that I had to start at work, she told me that she will also attend to me at 13:00 after lunch. She then proceeded to go to the reception and discussed me with her staff.
She was telling her staff that she won’t attend to me because I always start at work. I don’t know what to do now because no hospital will help me deliver if my maternity record is incomplete.
Bonisiwe Nkosi
CoE’s response
City’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the professional nurse did not refuse to consult with the complainant.
He said there was a misunderstanding when she explained that ante-natal service (ANC) clients are encouraged to report early to the clinic.
“The clients’ blood samples are taken at three intervals. The ANC clients are encouraged to come early to clinics so that their blood samples will be ready when the laboratory courier arrives. Blood samples must be sent to the laboratory. The other reason for prioritisation of the ANC clients is to allow the midwife to assist in-service streams during the day,” Dlamini said.
According to Dlamini, the complainant arrived at the clinic when the midwife had finished all ANC clients and was consulting chronic patients.
“The midwife was consulting the chronic client during a conversation with the complainant. She informed her that she would continue with the client in the consultation room because she [the complainant] should start in the vital signs room. The midwife further explained to the client that she will see her after lunch and that led to the dissatisfaction,” he said.
Dlamini admitted that the midwife went to the reception area.
“She was explaining to the reception personnel that when an ANC client arrives while she is already assisting with another service that they should immediately make her aware so that she reallocates clients in time.
“The client should attend the Brackenhurst Clinic as her nearest health facility. Morning attendance is a clinic recommendation to assist ANC clients to leave the clinic earlier,” he explained.
He also said a clinic attendance letter is issued to clients who require it for work purposes.
