THE proposed closure of the North gate at Wentworth Hospital has triggered a storm of criticism, with many angry residents questioning why such a major decision was taken without meaningful public consultation.

Last week the Wentworth Hospital Board issued a statement which said the board and the management had reached an agreement to close the North gate, citing security concerns as the reason for the decision.

However, the hospital PRO Thandeka Phiri said the decision came from the head of security from the head office.

Also read: Hospital board targets improvements at Wentworth Hospital

“The access control measures were an instruction to the hospital from the head of security at head office. Security risks were identified during the visit of the executive management team from the head office,” said Phiri.

The gate was expected to close today (September 1), however, the management of the hospital and the board are expected to hold a meeting on Thursday (September 3) to discuss the matter following strong public backlash.

Residents air their frustrations with Wentworth Hospital

A Wentworth resident, Tracey Williams, said the communities of Wentworth and The Bluff have raised serious complaints about security personnel at Wentworth Hospital, but their concerns have not been addressed.

“Security guards are acting as if they are doctors and nurses, while being rude and abrupt to patients. The North gate services The Bluff and Fynnlands areas. A large number of residents rely on this entrance and exit daily, especially those who walk to the hospital. To date, the hospital board has not been formally introduced to the community, yet they continue to make decisions on behalf of our people without any consultation,” said Williams.

She said with the ongoing violence in Ward 68, residents from Ward 66 now fear having to walk all the way around the facility to gain access to the hospital.

Also read: Chaos unfolds at Wentworth Hospital

“This puts our elderly, women and sick patients at risk. We already face many more serious issues, such as the shortage of medication. Instead of easing our burden, this closure is causing patients additional stress just to enter and exit a health facility that is meant to serve them,” Williams added.

She called on the Department of Health, the hospital board and ward councillors to urgently review this decision and to engage the community before implementing changes.

Another resident, André de Bruin, complained that the process was done without consulting the community.

“Does the hospital board truly represent the interests of the community? Was there any consultation with residents before this decision was made? As I see it, this is a very bad decision that will seriously disadvantage The Bluff community,” he said.

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