MBOMBELA- It all started on Friday when the strikers closed all entrances and exits to and from the hospital and even prevented ambulances from bringing in patients who require emergency care.

Click here to read the extensive update.

Update – Shocking video footage

15:30 Wednesday November 12, 2014

View horrific video footage documenting the state of Rob Ferreira Hospital earlier today as journalists discovered a decomposing body and filthy wards as the strike continues.

Watch it here: Decomposing body at Robs as strike continues.

Read the full article in tomorrow’s print edition of Mpumalanga News.

Update – EFF demands answers, video & full article

14:45 Wednesday November 12, 2014

MBOMBELA – The strikers – comprising of cleaners, porters and some nursing staff – have opened taps throughout the hospital, flooding the floors. Rubbish, including rotten food, has been scattered everywhere. Doctors and patients have to tip toe to avoid slipping and falling.

The newspaper was greeted by an unbearable stench on the third floor earlier today and found a dead body decomposing in a small room next to the lifts. Flies were hovering above it, with pus and blood oozing onto the floor. A source inside the hospital explained that porters have to take corpses to the mortuary and since they are striking, this obviously isn’t being done.

Several police officials have been deployed at the hospital to keep an eye on the situation as the strike turned violent on Monday afternoon. Strikers barricaded all entrances to the hospital and set rubbish and branches on fire. Dr Leif Brauteseth, a psychiatrist, was injured when he tried to remove a pole in front of the gate. Strikers tried to prevent him from doing so during which Brauteseth lost his balance and fell.

The strikers demand new uniforms, cleaning material and compensation for overtime worked, amongst others.

EFF ward representative Mr Cyril Chuene was also at the hospital, demanding answers from both the CEO and hospital manager, who both denied that there was a crisis and called the strike “political”.

Read the full article in this week’s edition of Mpumalanga News, tomorrow Thursday November 13, 2014 and check back in online for a video on the protest. 

Update – Unbearable stench due to decomposing body

13:10 Wednesday November 12, 2014

MBOMBELA – Striking employees of Rob Ferreira have forced the hospital to its knees.

Lowvelder went to the hospital after receiving numerous phone calls of concerned people who have family members admitted there. What the newspaper found, is horrific.

The strikers – comprising of cleaners, porters and some nursing staff – have opened taps throughout the hospital, flooding the floors. Rubbish has been scattered everywhere.

The newspaper was greeted by an unbearable stench on the third floor and found a dead body decomposing in a small room next to the lifts. A source inside the hospital explained that porters have to take corpses to the mortuary and since they are striking, this obviously isn’t being done.

Several police officials have been deployed at the hospital to keep an eye on the situation as the strike turned violent on Monday afternoon.

Update – Shocking revelations at Rob Ferreira Hospital

11:30 Wednesday November 12, 2014

MBOMBELA – The situation at Rob Ferreira Hospital is drastically deteriorating as staff members continue to strike. Lowvelder received shocking reports by members of the public about the state of negligence inside the building, and family members of patients having to perform the duties of hospital staff. What Lowveld Media journalists found when visiting the public hospital is absolutely mortifying. “I am absolutely horrified, somebody needs to step in and take control,” says Lowvelder news editor Nicolene Smalman.

Read more here later today as Lowvelder will be providing more information as details unfold.

Here are previous reports documenting the build-up to this health crisis:

Update: Protesting staff continue to trash Rob Ferreira Hospital

 14:40 Tuesday November 11, 2014

In a yesterday’s report it was unconfirmed whether or not Dr Leif Brauteseth was assaulted by the mob or not. In an interview with the victim himself, it came to light that allegations of his assault were in fact true to some degree.

Yet another strike at Rob Ferreira

Rob Ferreira strike turns violent

21:00 Monday November 10, 2014

Even though previous reports stated that Dr Leif Brauteseth was assaulted by the mob, it came to light in the most recent report that allegations of his assault was in fact not true.

BREAKING NEWS: Rob Ferreira Hospital strike turns violent

In Pictures: Another Rob Ferreira Hospital strike

13:38 Friday November 7, 2014

Angry Rob Ferreira Hospital workers decided to protest on Friday, November 11. The protest follows staff members’ anger at the apparent lack of uniforms, cleaning aids, overtime, computers and medication.

 In pictures: Another Rob Ferreira strike

Yet another strike at Rob Ferreira Hospital

13:22 Friday November 7, 2014

Staff members of Rob Ferreira hospital are striking at its entrance, blocking it and prohibiting ambulances from gaining access.

https://www.citizen.co.za/lowvelder/234415/robs/