Health Department gears up security at Helen Joseph

The Gauteng Health Department has beefed up security measures at the Helen Joseph Hospital following the brutal attack on a Phlebotomist a specialised clinical support nurse last Friday night.

The nurse works for National Health Laboratory Services and the unfortunate incident occurred at the Wits University controlled area within the hospital.

Since the occurrence of this incident, the hospital management has taken precautionary measures by availing extra security personnel to escort health workers who need to move around the hospital.

Additional personnel have also been recruited to ensure that all floors are covered.

The university has also changed locks and put measures in place to ensure that their area is also secured.

Department’s spokesperson, Prince Hamnca said that the hospital has set up a security committee to review the effects of the introduced security measures.

The committee will take into account the concerns raised by both staff and patients.

“It is terrible if people who are committed in saving our lives are being targeted in our midst.  As members of the community we need to condemn these vicious acts,” said Hamnca.

In the meantime, the nurse who was assaulted is recovering well and is expected to be discharged soon.

“A case has been reported to the South African Police Services and we want the perpetrator to be apprehended and face the full might of the law. We are appealing to members of the public to assist the department and the police in ensuring the safety and protection of health workers,” said Hamnca.