Sterkfontein staff upset about current Covid cases and demand answers

Unconfirmed reports indicate that protest action by the nurses and other staff members at the Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital taking place this morning, 19 May, is beginning to escalate, and that it’s becoming violent.

This is because of Covid-19 cases currently at the hospital and some of the wards being closed. On 14 May, the hospital posted on their Facebook page that they conducted wide-spread testing at the facility.

All staff members were screened and tested, and they were taking every precaution to help flatten the infection curve. This morning, 19 May, a nurse at the hospital spoke about their protest to News editor, Janine Viljoen.

She said they were upset that hospital management has kept information about the infections from them, and that they feared falling ill. The nurse asked to remain anonymous.

A video taken by one of the staff members showing the protesters expressing their concerns over social distancing, while police are trying to calm down the situation, is currently doing the rounds on Facebook, but confirmation about what exactly is going on, is still outstanding.

Viljoen contacted the hospital’s communications person, as well as hospital Chief Executive Officer, Jimmy Mapunya, for urgent feedback, but calls went unanswered.

Mapunya is said to be tied up in a meeting. Local authorities were also not answering any calls, and details pertaining to the protest action still need to be confirmed.

If you have any information to share, even photos, contact Viljoen on 076 663 5994.

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