[ad_1]
- A video showing patients in distress at Durban’s Wentworth Hospital went viral over the weekend.
- KZN’s health department says they are investigating who leaked the video.
- The department, so far, has established a shortage of 17 nurses and 11 doctors who are off duty after testing positive for Covid-19.
The KwaZulu-Natal health department defended Wentworth Hospital in Durban after a viral video showed patients in distress.
Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu on Monday condemned the recording of patients at the facility.
“First of all, we wish to emphasize that we strongly condemn the filming and distribution of video footage of any patient within the department’s care, without official authorization and the express permission of patients.
“This is indecent and amounts to a violation of the inalienable right of patients to privacy and dignity.”
He said they were investigating who leaked the video.
“We are naturally concerned about the circumstances that led to this situation and are investigating this matter.”
READ ALSO | KZN increases bed capacity and prepares to launch a new field hospital
Simelane-Zulu said the department sent a delegation of senior managers from its headquarters to “… establish the facts and reach an immediate resolution of the situation.”
A report from the hospital was also imminent, added department spokeswoman Agiza Hlongwane.
Staff shortage
Simelane-Zulu said the filmed patients were awaiting their Covid-19 results, also known as Patients Under Investigation (PUI). On the day in question, the hospital had received a particularly high number of patients, he said.
“In addition, 11 doctors were absent in isolation, after testing positive. Another 17 members of the nursing staff were out, due to Covid-19. Six nurses were in charge of the Accident and Emergency Unit, as well as a short room 28-bed stay with very sick patients. “
Simelane-Zulu said the department’s delegation has since helped the hospital to ensure that the flow of patients is managed properly.
“[They are] making modifications to Wentworth Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, which has created space for more beds, which will help alleviate congestion. They are sending recovering patients to Clairwood Hospital, which has ample space, while those who need oxygen are sent to isolation.
“Additionally, we strongly believe that the availability of rapid Covid-19 tests will progressively reduce the time patients spend waiting for their results. We have a serious and deadly pandemic on our hands, which is now our own creation.”
In addition, he thanked frontline health workers for the “… good job that is being done.”
Speaking about the incident, DA member of the Parliamentary Legislature, Dr. Rishigen Viranna, said: “The current situation within the health institutions of our province is, first and foremost, the result of years of mismanagement, exacerbated still more for the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“What we are seeing now is a historic shortage of vital clinical staff through frozen outposts combined with healthcare workers being infected, quarantined, and sadly some passing away. This immense stress is now having a huge impact. in on-site patient care, as seen in this video. “
