MP Annette Steyn (right). Picture supplied by the DA
A Democratic Alliance member of parliament Annette Steyn has on Thursday laid charges against Emplilweni Hospital after they allegedly assaulted her while during an oversight visit at the facility.
She claims an oversight inspection to the maternity ward was organised for Tuesday, “but I was chased away and told to return today (Thursday)”.
“On our arrival at 8.30am today we were informed that the hospital manager was not available to see us. However, I went through to the maternity ward and was informed that only one doctor was available to see patients. The hospital has also been without water for three days and the infrastructure is in a shocking state and the ward is filthy.
“While still in the ward, a group of people, including staff members and the matron, confronted me and screamed that I had no right to be in the hospital. I was physically pushed around after I took pictures of the conditions in the ward. There was also an attempt to grab my phone. I was then marched out of the hospital. These actions are not only an assault on my person, but also on the constitution and our democracy.”
She said she would write to the DA Shadow MEC for health in the Eastern Cape Jane Cowley to take the matter up with health MEC Helen Sauls-August.
“I will also write to Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, minister of health. The 2019 general election is looming and the Democratic Alliance stands firm in its resolve to take over the government of the Eastern Cape and provide quality healthcare and wellness,” she said.
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