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The Gauteng Health Department has suspended staff members at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital who left the body of an 18 year old to decompose.

Four staff members have been suspended pending full investigations and disciplinary hearings being instituted against them.

This follows preliminary investigations around the transportation of the body from the ward to the mortuary and the manner in which it was kept; the department has come to a conclusion that some officials have a case to answer.

It is in the belief that healthcare is about compassion, responsiveness and service. The department is serious about putting citizens first – Batho Pele – and will deal with those who transgress these noble principles.

The department has in the recent weeks acted swiftly against officials who are alleged to have contravened the Public Service Code of Conduct and brought the department into disrepute. Recently, a doctor was summarily dismissed for professional negligence.

Issued by Gauteng Health