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Thursday, 6 February, 2025
HomeNews UpdateRamathuba threatens to sack staff over patient queues

Ramathuba threatens to sack staff over patient queues

Long waiting times at a Limpopo hospital saw Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba warning staff that failure to assist patients promptly would result in their dismissal.

TimesLIVE reports that Ramathuba, who recently made an unannounced visit to the facility just before noon, was told by some patients that they had been waiting in line since before 5am.

The delays were attributed to staff responsible for distributing patients’ medical records, according to one doctor.

“The doctors are waiting for patients instead of the other way around. But there are no patients to be seen because they are still waiting for their files. They arrive early, but the files are not available.”

Ramathuba lambasted the official responsible for managing records. “Chief, I’m going to a meeting with the municipality, but when I return, if these patients are still waiting, you can look for a job,” she said. “You will see all of these patients before lunch, and the doctors will see them as well.”

According to the Department of Health, patients are generally expected to spend between two and five hours during visits to public clinics and hospitals.

 

TimesLIVE article – LISTEN | Ramathuba threatens to fire hospital staff over long wait times during a surprise visit (Restricted access)

 

See more from MedicalBrief archives:

 

Idle clinic staff get tongue-lashing from Limpopo Health MEC

 

ANC backs Premier in HPCSA inquiry

 

Limpopo hires 300 healthcare professionals, but protests continue

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