Serious concerns have been raised about the state of record management at White River Clinic, where the filing system is reportedly in complete disarray.

According to information received, patient files are scattered throughout the facility due to a lack of storage space. In some instances, files are allegedly even stored in restrooms.

This raises concerns over hygiene standards and the safety of sensitive information.

The situation has sparked concern among community members who fear current conditions could compromise patient confidentiality and disrupt the efficient delivery of healthcare services.

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Proper filing systems are essential to ensure patient records are secure, easily accessible, and handled in accordance with health regulations.

Residents say the apparent mismanagement not only undermines trust in the healthcare system, but also poses potential health risks.

Storing documents in unsanitary environments could lead to contamination, while misplaced or lost files may result in delays in treatment or errors in patient care.

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“This is a serious issue. Patient information is private and must be handled with care. Keeping files in places like toilets is unacceptable and shows a breakdown in basic systems,” said a concerned community member.

The reported lack of space at the clinic appears to be at the heart of the problem, with calls growing for urgent intervention by the Department of Health.

Community members are urging authorities to provide additional resources, including proper storage facilities or additional infrastructure to address the issue.

Suggestions are that nearby unused municipal buildings could be repurposed to assist the clinic with extra storage, ensuring patient records are kept safe and organised.

The Mpumalanga Department of Health spokesperson, Christopher Nobela, said they are aware of the situation at the White River Clinic and the staff are currently sorting old files which will be transferred to an archive to create space.

“White River Clinic is the property of the City of Mbombela; hence, they will be taking old files to an archival repository. The plan is to remove them from the waiting area and place them on shelving to prevent unauthorised persons from accessing patients’ information,” he said.

Nobela added that plans are at an advanced stage to use the old KaNyamazane for storage.