The strike of health workers throughout the province has recently also affected Potchefstroom Hospital.
The strike, which now moves into its third week, has caused longer than usual waiting times for patients.
In some cases, people are allegedly not treated at all.

According to Bartho Boonzaaier, on May 8th he suffered from convulsions.
“I lost consciousness for more than two minutes. My face was completely blue and my body was in spasm. I also hit my head very hard, “he said.
According to him, he arrived at the casualty ward, after which he was referred to the admissions office.
“A nurse told me they could not help me if I did not have a file,” he said.
After a long wait, someone eventually referred him back to casualties. After explaining that he had been sent from casualties, staff allegedly told him that they only help emergencies.

“I left the hospital without any medical treatment,” he said.

Hospital spokesperson Modiri Mompati said the strike was still underway. Therefore, the hospital is forced to make due with less staff than usual.

“The service continues and rumours that people are being turned away are not true,” Mompati said.
According to Dr Tutu Faleni, DA spokesperson for education intervention by the government is drastically needed, to deal with the healthcare crisis in North West.

“It threatens to cause a total collapse of health services in the province,” he said in a statement.

Members of various unions are unhappy about the outsourcing of workers.
According to Mzukisi Jam, provincial chairman of HOSPERSA, the unions have been trying to clarify various issues with the health department since 2016.
“Their response points to their disrespect towards workers. All they have to do is come up with a workable solution, “he said.
The strike continues.

https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/47420/video-polisie-monitor-situasie-potch-hospitaal/