VIDEO: Charlotte Maxeke Hospital’s psychiatric ward has gone to the dogs
PARKTOWN– Gauteng Department of Health responds to the allegations of squalid conditions at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital psychiatric ward.
Accusations of squalid conditions, improper conduct and procedures have surfaced at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg.
Following a post on YouTube on 11 June by a ‘disgruntled family member’, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, has demanded investigation of the psychiatric ward. “I am concerned by these allegations that need to be investigated. Mentally ill patients are very vulnerable and need special care and a decent environment for treatment,” said Bloom.
In a post by anonymous ‘@AzizAnon58687’ some comments read, “I was disgusted with the state of the ward… the ward is infested with cockroaches.” In an earlier story done on 8 May , ‘A Victory Park resident saw cockroaches scurrying around the floor‘. Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Steve Mabona responded, “A pest control contractor has been appointed and the ward was recently fumigated.”
The allegations go on to describe how male and female patients are kept together in the same ward. In Mabona’s response he stated, “Patients are admitted in one ward, however, there are separate cubicles for males and females and as such, patients only interact in the lounge and dining room.”
The complaints further go on to add that a gate is being secured with a restraint that is supposed to be used on patients. Mabona responded to the broken gate. He said, “The past few weeks the key pad system was damaged and a restraining strap, was utilised as a temporary measure, after which same [gate] has since been repaired accordingly.”
The ward seems to be incredibly bare with, “Empty spaces with bland walls”. In an earlier statement Mabona said, “MEC Qedani Mahlangu will be visiting the hospital on 8 May to, “investigate the issue raised and all other matters raised and she will implement interventions”. Since then some progress has been made. According to Mabona, the unit has been earmarked for a major refurbishment to comply with the Mental Health Act. “Phase 1 was completed – burglar bars were installed, the floors reworked. Phase 2 will commence in due course,” concluded Mabona.
