Clinic patients get raw deal
"This is the second time within a month that we have had to intervene in issues of bad service at the clinics"
Health personnel of the CM Cindi Clinic in Thusiville left 17 patients unattended last Wednesday, because they are not paid to work overtime.
This was despite the patients arriving at the clinic before knock-off time at 16:00.
When the Highvelder arrived at the clinic, most of the patients still had their medical files in their possession, which is against health policies, as the files are the property of the clinic.
The affected patients, who are also regulars at the clinic, cited general bad behaviour, a bad attitude towards patients and lack of professionalism by the staff as contributing factors to the bad service.
One of the affected patients said she had left work early and was at the clinic by 11:30 to collect her medication for hypertension, but would have to go home empty-handed.
Another patient, who did not want to be named, said staff members spend time wandering around and not attending to patients.
She also referred to other incidents where staff members spend time on private phone calls instead of doing their work.
It was also alleged that staff members are harsh and rude to patients arriving after 15:00, as they are preparing to go home.
Health District Manager Mr Vukani Khoza arrived at the clinic after being telephoned by Mr Sifiso Nkala of Section 27, an organisation advocating for human rights and constitutional obligations on health.
After listening to and recording the complaints, Mr Khoza apologised to the patients and promised that remedial action would be taken.
Mr Khoza held a staff meeting at the clinic the next day, during which he reminded his colleagues of their duties and what is expected of them. He also quoted an extract from the Siyasebenta document by the president of RSA that health care staff are not allowed to go home until the last patient is assisted.
In the meeting, Mr Khoza emphasised the importance of strong leadership and recommended remedial action against those involved.
Mr Nkala informed the newspaper this was not the first incident of this kind, as something similar happened at the Town Clinic.
“This is the second time within a month that we have had to intervene in issues of bad service at the clinics. It appears as though some of the members just don’t care and the health policy is clear that health personnel cannot leave until the last patient has been seen or attended to,” said Mr Nkala.
He also said everybody has the right to proper health care and such services should be offered in a professional and dignified manner.
It was, however, stressed that there are also staff members who go out of their way to assist patients.
