The Western Cape Health Department has suspended two security guards who were filmed dragging a patient out of Karl Bremer Hospital, with Chief Operating Officer Dr Saadiq Kariem saying there can be no excuse for the staff’s behaviour.
A video clip of the incident went viral on social media platforms last week, showing a distressed female patient lying on the floor wearing a hospital gown and holding what appeared to be medication.
In the clip, a security guard can be seen ordering her to stand up before dragging her along the floor by her arm, stating: “These ones are bothering us.”
The department said the patient was admitted for a head injury and had just been discharged when the incident happened, reports EWN.
Kariem said: “That particular patient is well-known to the hospital. I understand the staff see her regularly, and she had been discharged but apparently didn't want to leave the premises. That’s when the incident took place.”
Communications officer for the Department of Health & Wellness Megan Davids told The Citizen they condemned the actions and that the contracted service provider had also initiated its own internal processes.
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