MADADENI – Allegedly presenting with symptoms of meningitis, Cindy Evert was horrified when she had to wait for 12 hours on Monday, August 8, before getting any help at Madadeni Provincial Hospital.
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“I initially went to see a private doctor, but he gave me a referral letter for the hospital. I waited for 12 hours before they drew blood.”
“I was said that although I needed a CAT scan, I was unable to make a booking until the Wednesday. I returned on Wednesday, where I made a booking and was told I would have to wait another two months or so before I could get the scan.”
On Friday, she waited several hours to get the results.
During her visits to the hospital, she was shocked to see how people were being treated.
“I witnessed a man passing out on the floor, as he was diabetic and his blood sugar levels were low. I also saw a man with only one lung, that had water on it, who was left waiting until he started coughing up blood.”
Mrs Evert said the toilets were not clean, and urine trays were left in the basins of the ablution facilities. While upset about the conditions at the hospital, she did not blame the doctors or nurses on duty, as she believed they were short-staffed and hence unable to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities.
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“No one deserves to wait more than six hours to see a doctor. It is ridiculous, as someone could die waiting,” she emphasised.
Mrs Evert said the attitude of the security guards also left much to be desired.
“When women went to the toilet, the security guards asked them where they were going and why. My daughter was with me at the hospital on the Monday, and she accidentally bumped another patient who was eating. As a result, warm vinegar splashed into her eyes and the security guards just laughed,” she claimed.
Dr Imran Keeka, Member of Provincial Health Portfolio Committee and DA KZN health spokesperson, said he would be looking into the matter.
“I conducted an oversight visit at the hospital two months ago, and the queues were short and there were enough doctors. However, my visit was an announced one and I believe this report warrants an unannounced visit.”
He said the complaint would be forwarded to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health for investigation.
“When someone visits any of our healthcare facilities, it is expected that people will be treated with dignity, while staff are to be courteous at all times.”
Dr Keeka believed one of the main reasons for prolonged waiting hours could possibly be linked to a shortage of staff, especially doctors and nurses.
“A further problem is clinical posts are not being filled because of bureaucracy and mismanagement at provincial departmental level.”
The Madadeni Provincial Hospital was contacted for comment, but none was forthcoming at the time of print.
