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COPE Caucus Leader in Gauteng, Ndzipho Kalipa expressed his dissatisfaction at allegations of gross mistreatment of patients by nurses at OR Tambo Memorial Hospital in Ekurhuleni.

His statement follows a visit to the hospital to meet with patients and to observe conditions in which they are being treated, as part of MPL Kalipa’s constituency work.

Kalipa met with Mr. Alpheus Shabangu, 88, who was admitted to the hospital after his diabetic condition became severe on Tuesday, July 24th, 2012. Mr. Shabangu alleged that shortly after being admitting into a ward, he fell from his bed late that evening and struggled to get assistance from nurses on duty.

According to Mr. Shabangu, fellow patients tried to aid the elderly man but to no avail. Shabangu added that he was forced to remain on the floor until the nurses made their routine checks at 5:00am the next morning.

The situation only worsened when Mr. Shabangu claimed that the nurse on duty hurled insults and humiliated him for no apparent reason, in front of other patients.
Since then, MPL Ndzipho Kalipa visited the hospital and met the doctor on call to discuss the unfortunate incident. The family of Shabangu has since made a request to take him back home for them to monitor his deteriorating condition.

MPL Kalipa earnestly calls for new MEC of Health and Social Development, Hope Papo to make unannounced night oversight visits to the hospital, among others in the province, to evaluate similar allegations and enforce the mandate given the Department of Health to place patients at top priority.

For further details on this matter, MPL Kalipa can be contacted on the details below.