Bertha Gxowa Hospital’s stance on safety and security of staff
Local hospital to prosecute all members of the public who abuse their staff, violate their laws on media or damage state property.
Bertha Gxowa Hospital has emphasised its position on the negative treatment of its employees by the public.
This follows reports of the recent upsurge of abuse of health workers in the media across the country.
In a statement released by the hospital’s acting CEO, Dr Jatin Ganda, on Thursday, the hospital voiced its stance on safety and security of its staff.
“According to the National Health Act (61 of 2003) Section 20 (4) a healthcare worker may refuse to treat a patient who is physically or verbally abusive, or sexually harasses him or her,” said Jatin.
“Patients should refrain from taking photographs of staff, patients or hospital records.
“Anyone found with unauthorised media will be prosecuted.”
ALSO READ: ‘Diabetes is a lifestyle condition’
For safety and security considerations, the hospital has further requested that only one family member or relative escort a patient into the accident and emergency unit.
Patients will be held liable for any damage to state property.
Management at the hospital has strongly condemned any form of abuse or violence against their staff members and will not hesitate to criminally prosecute anyone who abuses their staff in any way.
“We are invested in the well-being of our staff and we understand that their well-being is critical in the rendering of quality healthcare.
“Our staff refers to all those employed at the hospital by the Gauteng Department of Health,” said Jatin.
ALSO READ: Bertha Gxowa Hospital informs community of new phone number
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
