This is the claim of two anonymous patients who said that health care practitioners at the clinic did not assist them on Monday, November 8. “These employees don’t have empathy, they are rude and have no sense of urgency. “I arrived around 10:00 only to fInd long queues to retrieve patients’ files, checking blood pressure (BP) and temperature.

“We sat outside for hours as they only allow small groups inside in accordance with lockdown regulations. “I was shocked to learn that some of the people I found inside had arrived as early as 06:00 but they were still unattended,” explained the disgruntled patient. She said that what shocked her the most was when nurses told the patients to go home because there will be load shedding between 15:00 and 17:00. “It didn’t make sense to me.

There were people who already had their files and temperature checked, but were not consulted. The lack of electricity has nothing to do with attending to patients,” she said. According to the patients indeed during load shedding they stopped working and tell them to go home as they is no electricity. Some left while others stayed behind hoping they will be assisted, but to no avail.

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One patient wanted to collect her treatment and wanted her tonsils examined, but she only managed to get her treatment after begging them to help her, because she did not have the money to travel back the next day. Another patient said she arrived at the clinic at around 11:00, but after 30 minutes decided to go back to work in the hope that when she returns later that the queue would be shorter. She arrived back  at 16:04 only to fInd the very same people she left earlier on the benches, some sleeping from hunger and fatigue.

“I was shocked to see older people and children being hopeless. “I spoke to some of the people who told me they stayed in line hoping that they will eventually be able to see a practitioner as they don’t have money for transport to return the next day,” she said. In response to the allegations, the department of health said under normal circumstances the nurses should have continued working utilising the backup generator.

“Unfortunately the backup generator also failed on the day. Nurses are expected to continue to assist patients where they can. “But you also need to take into account that some of our equipment also need power. “For issues that do not require electricity, patients can be assisted,” the hospital said. “We will look into the issues and apply corrective measures where required in order to improve our system. Constructive complaints help us to improve.”they said.

If you have experienced similar events, send an email to emelda@herald.co.za.