A Netcare Linksfield Hospital nurse who attacked President Jacob Zuma on social media after one of his wives was admitted to the hospital has been summarily fired, and reported to the SA Nursing Council and the police, while Netcare's CEO has written a personal letter of apology to Zuma.
According to a Sowetan report, the nurse said the president was a disgrace to the country and wished he was the one lying in hospital dying of a heart attack. Carmen Hartmann also revealed the medical treatment of Zuma's wife – something that goes against the health profession rules.
Hospital manager, Louis Vanderhove said Netcare CEO Dr Richard Friedland has written a personal letter of apology to Zuma and his wife expressing his deep embarrassment and shame for this "most regrettable incident". He said: "The staff member has been called in to the hospital today and subsequent to acknowledging the action, has been summarily dismissed." Vanderhoven said the matter would also be reported to the South African Nursing Council and the South African Police Services.
The report says health professionals are not allowed to reveal patients medical details to the public or another person without the patient's consent. Hartmann, who has since deleted her post, wrote (sic): "So Zuma's wife no 4 was admitted for ? plastic surgery. 10 very expensive black cars plus cops on motor bikes protecting wife no 4 pitches up at the hospital preventing other paying customers from seeing their loved ones in hospital.
"I'm disgusted. We pay for his wife's and his children. Why are they better than the tax paying South Africans. Zuma you are a disgrace to this country. I wished it was you in hospital dying of a heart attack."
The management of the hospital said they were shocked to learn about the post, which was posted at the weekend. "The employee in question has not only defied a code of practice adhered to throughout the healthcare world, she has also blatantly contravened legislation and our company policies and has behaved in a manner completely contrary to our values by breaching the sanctity of the commitment to maintain confidential all details about any patient," Vanderhoven is quoted in the report as saying.
He said regarding Zuma's wife's hospital visit, "we are also deeply embarrassed by the unforgivable personal opinion that the staff member expressed about the honourable President Zuma".
[link url="http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/2017/03/07/nurse-fired-over-zuma-and-wife-facebook-rant"]Sowetan report[/link]