A nine-member investigation team has been appointed by North West Health MEC Sello Lehari to probe the death of a long-term patient at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital, and another case involving a patient who allegedly absconded from Mahikeng Provincial Hospital.
North West Health Department spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi told The Citizen the investigation team, led by Professor John Tumbo, comprises experienced managers from diverse disciplines and would present its findings to the MEC by 1 August.
Workers at Witrand Hospital allege that the lack of adequate food, toiletries, and regular power outages has contributed to patient illnesses and deaths. Additionally, they said equipment in the laundry facility, including boilers, is out of order, forcing patients to bath in cold water and contend with dirty clothes and linen.
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