By Doreen Mokgolo
Patients at Daveyton Main Clinic in Ekurhuleni were left stranded on Monday morning after medical staff downed tools demanding better security.
The move came after a doctor was assaulted on Saturday night.
It is alleged an angry parent of a young patient assaulted the doctor. The clinic would not disclose whether the doctor pressed charges or suffered any injuries.
Once in the doctor’s room, the parent started accusing the doctor of dragging his feet, putting the patient’s health at risk.
Residents were not completely surprised that the parents had lost patience with the doctor. They alleged that they wait to be assisted for hours, with nurses either being on their phones or going for extended tea and lunch breaks.
A patient at the clinic, Nomthandazo Zwane, told Scrolla.Africa sick people are tired of the poor treatment they receive at the clinic.
“The medical staff treat us as if they are doing us a favour by being here,” said Nomthandazo.
“It is not as if we have nothing to do by coming here. We are sick and want to be treated.”
She said many residents have moved to other clinics in other areas to avoid the poor service at the Daveyton Main Clinic.
“Every time we complain we are told to submit our grievances in the suggestion box but they never respond,” she said.
Another patient, Harry Sibeko, said he was hoping the incident would highlight the poor service they receive at the clinic.
“Coming to this clinic when you’re sick is gambling with your life. You can die while waiting for a medical file,” he said.
Sonwabo Lindani, the CEO of Far East Rand Hospital, addressing the patients inside the hospital, where the patient was transferred, asked them to give the clinic time to speak with the nurses to discuss the nurses’ and patients’ concerns following the incident.
He was not sure when they would start working again, but will not be opening today.
“We might open tonight, tomorrow or next week depending on the agreement we will reach in the meeting,” said Lindani.
“We need the community to be patient with us as we resolve the matter.”
Pictured above: Patients outside Daveyton Main Clinic.
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
