"FIRED" GAUTENG NURSES STILL AT WORK

28 May 2015

Four nurses who were found guilty of misconduct for failing to assist a pregnant woman who then gave birth on the pavement are still at work because their appeal against dismissal has taken more than two years.

This information is revealed by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

On 15 November 2012 the nurses refused to assist Ms Nomvusa Mathebula at the Soshanguve clinic north of Pretoria, so she gave birth to her baby boy  on the pavement outside.

According to Mahlangu, the nurses were found guilty of being derelict in their duties as Midwives and Advanced Midwives in failing to assist Ms Mathebula. Letters were dismissal were issued on 8 April 2013, and they submitted their appeals on 19 April 2013.

Because their appeal was not heard within 30 days, they were reinstated and still work at the clinic.

It is outrageous that the appeals have not been finalised after more than two years.

The department is inexcusably slow in disciplining employees. Last month it was revealed that there were 37 employees who were still at work after being given dismissal notices but still on appeal.

Discipline needs to be speeded up so that patients are protected from health staff who are incompetent or have bad attitudes.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, May 28 2015