South African Medical Association

Media Release: Security at public hospitals in the Eastern Cape needs urgent attention

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11 August 2017

Security at public hospitals in the Eastern Cape needs urgent attention
SA Medical Association says situation becoming more critical


The South African Medical Association (SAMA), as well as its Border Coastal Branch in the Eastern Cape, condemns the lack of proper security at public hospitals in the province. This is an unacceptable situation which requires urgent attention.

The poor state of security was again highlighted on Saturday 5 August where one of our members, Dr Archie Solombela, was attacked and assaulted by a patient.

Dr Solombela sustained a fracture to his right arm, and is recovering at home. We wish both Dr Solombela, and the general worker who was also involved in the incident, a speedy recovery.

Of concern now is why no precautionary measures were put in place, considering the patient has a known violent history. This indicates either a lack of proper planning and co-ordination, or a lack of will to ensure the safety of healthcare professionals in the province.

As an association we are convinced the incident could have been avoided, and we urge authorities to do everything they can to protect our members and our patients in hospitals.

As a first step in dealing with this problem, we met the management of Cecilia Makiwane Hospital (CMH), with a view to resolving issues going forward. During this meeting we stressed that a violent patient is a danger, not only to healthcare workers, but also other patients, and that patient safety is one of the six priorities of healthcare in South Africa.

Notes to Editors
About SAMA
The South African Medical Association was formally constituted on 21 May 1998 as a unification of a variety of doctors’ groups that had represented a diversity of interests. SAMA is a non-statutory, professional association for public, and private sector medical practitioners. SAMA is a voluntary membership association, existing to serve the best interests and needs of its members in any and all healthcare related matters.

Contact:
Head of PR & Communications
Dr Simonia Magardie
082 905 8505
Email: simoniam@samedical.org

Spokesperson
Chairperson: SAMA Boarder Coastal Branch
Dr Mzulungile Nodikida
082 523 0686
Email: tnodikida@yahoo.com

Last updated Friday, 11 August 2017 14:56

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