DA’s Bloom booted out of Helen Joseph Hospital

Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom was booted out of Helen Joseph Hospital on 18 July.

“I was escorted by security guards out of the Helen Joseph Hospital after Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu told hospital management that I did not have her department’s permission to visit there,” recounted Bloom.

Earlier that day, Bloom had been cleaning the hospital’s car park together with other volunteers as part of their 67 minutes of community service honouring Nelson Mandela.

“I then went inside the hospital to check on complaints about broken lifts and poor cleanliness. I found five broken lifts and was checking the toilets on each floor when security guards apprehended me and took me to the CEO’s office,” he narrated.

According to Bloom, Helen Joseph CEO Dr Ray Billa said Bloom did not have permission to visit from either the Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu or the chairperson of the Legislature’s Health Committee.

Bloom was subsequently escorted to his car by hospital security guards.

“MEC Mahlangu’s instructions to the hospital to obstruct my visit are outrageous,” protested Bloom.

“Mahlangu must be called to order by the Speaker for obstructing my visit,” he reckoned.

“She should also be rebuked by Premier David Makhura who has himself endorsed unannounced visits to public institution.”

This is not the first time Bloom has been “banned” from a hospital, according to Bloom.

Three years ago he was allegedly banned from the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, with his picture posted on the gate to ensure he does not enter the facilities.

Bloom said the ban was overturned by the Gauteng Legislator Speaker Lindiwe Maseko and the Integrity Commissioner of the Gauteng Legislature Jules Brody, who endorsed Bloom’s right to conduct oversight at hospitals, including unannounced visits.

Gauteng Health Department’s Prince Hamnca said Bloom’s allegations are false.

“Mr Bloom sent through an email on 17 July informing the hospital that he will be coming for 67 minutes of Mandela Day on 18 July. Mr Bloom was advised to follow proper channels and was referred by the hospital to the office of the MEC,” Hamnca said.

“Mr Bloom insisted that he’ll come to the hospital. Upon arrival, Mr Bloom went around the hospital and following that, he later met with the CEO where he spoke about conditions of the hospital and was also presented with the platform on raising concerns about the hospital,” Hamnca concluded.

The Democratic Alliance will get to the bottom of this matter, according to John Moodey, Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) caucus leader and Gauteng provincial leader.

“The DA welcomes the unanimous decision by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to refer the removal of DA Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, from the Helen Joseph Hospital, to the Legislature’s Privileges and Ethics Committee,” Moodey said in a statement.

“The DA tabled a motion calling on the house to reprimand MEC for Health, Qedani Mahlangu, and to apologise to Mr Bloom for the affront to his dignity.

“The DA will continue to carry out our mandate of oversight over government performance, and will not be prevented from doing so by anybody,” concluded Moodey.

Bloom is adamant his claims are true and said, “I will continue to visit hospitals as it’s my duty to see first-hand the conditions in our hospitals. “