Health committee conducts oversight visit at Middelburg hospital
The oversight visit was conducted after public concerns regarding water shortages and staff conduct.
The Portfolio Committee on Health conducted an oversight visit to Middelburg’s King Nyabela District Hospital today, September 2, to assess operational standards and address growing public concerns regarding patient care and facility maintenance.
The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Monene Mhlongo, addressed questions from the Observer regarding complaints about poor staff conduct and infrastructure issues, such as water supply and sanitation.
She said the health department’s latest report indicates these issues have been addressed at the facility.
“It was indicated in the report presented by the department that there were issues with water and infrastructure like toilets, but those issues have been resolved,” Mhlongo said.
Municipal water supply
She explained that while the hospital relies on municipal water supplied by Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, the committee will continue monitoring the facility to ensure steady service delivery.
“We are not going to stop conducting oversight visits. We will visit the hospital again to check progress on the implementation of what the department reported,” she added.
Handling complaints
Addressing reports of poor staff conduct, including complaints about rude nursing personnel, Mhlongo acknowledged that staff attitudes remain a persistent issue across many public health facilities.
She encouraged patients to utilise established channels to report grievances.
“If you are not treated well, write down the name of the person and your complaint, and place it in the suggestion box inside the hospital. There is a committee established to deal with these complaints, and concerns will receive the necessary attention,” Mhlongo advised.
Committee mandate
When asked whether the committee takes disciplinary action against hospital management in cases of negligence or poor service, Mhlongo clarified the committee’s mandate.
“As a portfolio committee, we do not discipline hospital management,” she explained.
The Portfolio Committee reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring health facilities across the province to ensure public health services remain efficient and accountable.
