FOLLOWING concerns about the functioning of the board at Wentworth Hospital, the board has issued a statement to clarify its position.

Some residents took to social media platforms accusing the board of not addressing key challenges at the hospital such as:

• The shortage of medication
• Long queues at MOPD and emergency ward

A member of the board, Sidney Govindsamy, said hospital boards in South Africa function within a defined legislative and governance framework.

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“This includes the National Health Act, applicable provincial health legislation, oversight by the National Department of Health and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, as well as the Public Finance Management Act and National Treasury regulations,” said Govindsamy.

He said all board members are appointed through a formal vetting process, based on their skills, experience, and the value they can contribute to governance and oversight.

“The board does not own the hospital; but it exercises oversight on behalf of the State. Board members serve in a voluntary capacity, are not employees of the hospital, and are not based on site full-time.

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“When the current board was appointed in December 2024 and assumed office, it encountered a range of operational and systemic challenges. These matters are actively being addressed and remain a work in progress. Critical issues, including medication shortages, have been formally raised with the Department of Health, and further escalation processes are being pursued where necessary,” said Govindsamy.

He emphasised that the board does not control the hospital’s budget or operational resources.

“As an oversight structure, it operates within budgetary constraints determined by the public finance framework. Where challenges cannot be resolved at hospital level, the board’s remedial course of action is to escalate matters to the appropriate provincial authority.

Govindsamy said the board’s role is primarily advisory and oversight in nature, rather than executive or operational.

“It provides input into strategic plans, reviews service delivery performance, advises on community healthcare needs, and supports alignment with provincial health priorities. Final executive authority rests with the provincial MEC for Health,” he added.

What are the core functions of the hospital board?

The board’s primary responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that the hospital operates in accordance with applicable legislation and policy.
• Monitoring the performance of the hospital CEO and executive management.
• Promoting transparency, accountability and good governance.
• Ensuring compliance with public service and health regulations.
• Serving as a link between the community and the provincial Department of Health.

Oversight of quality of care and patient safety

The board plays an oversight role in monitoring:

• Acceptable standards of patient care.
• Proper management of complaints and incident reports.
• Infection control and clinical governance systems.
• Compliance with accreditation standards, including those set by the office of Health Standards Compliance.
• Monitoring expenditure against approved budgets.

“While the board facilitates oversight of financial performance, financial authority remains governed by the public finance framework and the accounting officer system,” said Govindsamy.

Limitations of the board’s authority

The public should note that the Hospital Board cannot:

• Interfere in the day-to-day operational management of the hospital.
• Appoint or discipline staff directly (unless specifically permitted by legislation).
• Override decisions of the Provincial Health Authority.
• Authorise expenditure outside of approved public budgets.

Govinsdamy said, “The board represents community interests, receives and escalates concerns, and works to ensure that matters raised are appropriately addressed through the correct governance channels. It remains committed to transparency, accountability, and improving service delivery within the scope of its legislated mandate. The board is fully aware of the challenges facing the hospital and is working collaboratively with relevant authorities to address them. While these issues will not be resolved overnight, the community can be assured that progress is being made through the appropriate structures.”

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