Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
18 Novvember 1997
Senior management of the Gauteng Health Department today held talks designed to:
The parties directly involved were both well represented. The hospital's medical and nursing management, who have not been party to the conflict, also attended the meeting along with representatives of the Medical Advisory Committee, the Public Servants Association and the Hospital Personnel Association.
The talks were constructive and restrained. But it was evident that there are deep differences between Nehawu and the Admin unit which must be explored and resolved in order to create lasting stability at this hospital.
The meeting agreed that:
The parties were able to agree on persons who should be approached to conduct the inquiry. However, none of these persons has yet confirmed availability for the task.
In addition, all participants recognised that vacancies in the hospital management structure have created problems in terms of the legitimate exercise of authority. The Department is to find ways of strengthening the management team as rapidly as possible.
The Department has been informed of allegations made to the media that a patient died as a result of the conflict of the last week. Helen Joseph Hospital's acting chief superintendent, Dr Arthur Manning, recognises the case to which press reports refer. He says it is quite clear that the patient's death was not connected in any way to the strife at the hospital.
Dawn Joseph Chief Director Human Resource Management
Contact number: 082 578 5474
Released by the Directorate for Health Promotion & Communications Inquiries: Jo-Anne Collinge 082 574 5510