Concerns about conditions and patient care at public healthcare facilities on the West Rand have resurfaced after a family raised allegations regarding the treatment their loved one received at Leratong Hospital before his death.

The family claims their concerns about aspects of his care and the condition of the ward were repeatedly raised with hospital staff, but were not adequately addressed.

According to Anche Labuschagne, her husband, Jan, had been suffering from respiratory health issues and was admitted to Leratong for treatment. She said the family attempted on several occasions to address their concerns directly with staff at the ward level.

“I previously discussed the situation with the staff and also with a sister on duty whose name I unfortunately cannot recall,” she said.

Labuschagne alleged that while her husband was in isolation, there was limited access to protective equipment outside the room for visitors and staff.

“We had to bring our own masks. The bedding was dirty, and the room was in an unacceptable condition. We had to request clean linen, which was provided reluctantly,” she claimed.

The family also raised concerns about communication around treatment and medication, as well as the level of monitoring they believed was required.

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Labuschagne’s mother-in-law, Tanya, alleged that Jan’s blood pressure had previously been monitored regularly in one ward, but that after he was transferred to another ward, no further checks took place until the following day.

“During our visit, we cleaned the room ourselves, bathed my son, and made him comfortable, which should not be the responsibility of family members,” Tanya said.

She further alleged that an attempt to raise these concerns with staff in Ward 14 resulted in an argument among staff members.

“The sister in charge refused to provide her name and was extremely rude and disrespectful, despite my attempts to calmly resolve the situation,” she claimed.

Tanya also alleged that while leaving the ward, a security officer physically handled her daughter during an interaction with the family.

Following the allegations, the hospital denied wrongdoing and said no formal complaint had been lodged regarding the matter.

According to acting CEO Itumeleng Molatlegi, the hospital does not publicly comment on internal human resource matters and any allegations of misconduct are managed in line with labour legislation and public service prescripts.

“At this stage, there is no active investigation, as no formal complaint has been registered. The family is encouraged to lodge a formal complaint with the Quality Assurance Office to enable a thorough investigation and, where appropriate, a redress meeting in line with Complaints Management Guidelines,” Molatlegi said.

He added that when allegations of unprofessional conduct are formally reported, the hospital follows established complaints management procedures, including assessment, investigation, corrective action where necessary and feedback to complainants.

The family said Jan was later referred to Steve Biko Academic Hospital, where his condition reportedly deteriorated further over time before he passed away.

Although no official findings have linked the hospital to his death, the family says they are still seeking clarity regarding the treatment he received while admitted to Leratong Hospital.