Family accuses Standerton Hospital of not adhering to Batho Pele principles
“They’re are ignorant in respect of giving information to their patients and relatives, they don't care how the hospital looks, dirty floors, bathrooms full of old blood, people’s vomiting, tablets are given by hand to the patients, instead of in a proper sanitised container.”
The family of a patient at the Standerton Hospital is querying their Batho Pele principles in health.
They contacted the Standerton Advertiser in December last year, when the office had already closed, about conditions at the hospital and opted for anonymity, afraid that the patient could be victimised.
The principles were highlighted namely putting other people first before considering your own needs/yourself.
According to them, it can be done by identifying small, but important things that can immediately improve the quality of service.
“Unfortunately the hospital does not adhere to these principles,” the message read.
“They’re are ignorant in respect of giving information to their patients and relatives, they don’t care how the hospital looks, dirty floors, bathrooms full of old blood, people’s vomiting, tablets are given by hand to the patients, instead of in a properly sanitised container.”
According to them, staff don’t even want to help to clean the patient’s wounds. Patients furthermore, are allegedly not fed properly, they must eat what they get.
“If the families visit and bring snacks, staff will take it.”
According to them, they dig through patients’ stuff. Staff came under attack with the allegation that they are always busy with their things and don’t take proper care of patients.
Patients furthermore, are allegedly left with dirty linen and no drip. The Standerton Advertiser contacted the CEO of the hospital on January 11, via email.
Nhlanhla Dladla responded by calling back twice on the same day. A stalemate was reached.
Dladla said he can’t respond without information on the patient’s name, date of admittance and in which ward the patient was.
The Standerton Advertiser was hesitant to divulge more details, but due to the generality of the questions he could not comment.
ALSO READ: eMba police want the GMM to collect their garbage because of the health risk
Dladla however, refuted any allegations of victimisation and indicated an open-complaints procedure.
He also said the allegations need to be verified and the patient and family are welcome to visit him in his office.
“We note the allegations, although the information is limited and will appreciate further details so as to investigate and address properly,” he added.
“We request the details of the complainants, alternatively they can call me on 064 140 6086.”
The CEO has indicated in the past that the appropriate channels for complaints must be used and it should not be played out in the media.
