KWAMHLANGA – The nurses who embarked on a strike at the local hospital have returned to work.
The Department of Health has since withdrawn the powers of the acting CEO and appointed a new one until a formal appointment has been effected. The department would like to clarify that the removal of the previous acting CEO does not mean the allegations levelled against her are true, but the decision to remove her has solely been taken on the basis of the best interest of the patients.
“With regard to the five patients who passed away at the hospital during the strike, the department would like to state that the patients did not die due to any negligence from striking nurses. The patients died because of natural causes,” reads a statement from the health department.
“The department had sourced nurses from various clinics and hospitals in the province to assist in KwaMhlanga. Some managers who have clinical experience and qualifications were also roped in to assist at the hospital. A team was also deployed to monitor the situation until the matter has been resolved.The department would like to take this opportunity and apologise to the public for the inconvenience caused by the week-long strike.”
