The SA Medical Association (SAMA) is demanding increased security measures at healthcare facilities after a Free State patient’s attack on a doctor where nurses had to intervene because there were no security guards around.
News24 reports that night shift nurses at Pelonomi Hospital had to double as security after the assault, during which the doctor received several injuries, including soft tissue damage to her face.
The traumatised, injured doctor has been booked off, said SAMA chairperson Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa.
“She was in the casualty area with a patient, waiting for an ambulance to transport him to a psychiatric complex, when he suddenly becoming aggressive and started punching her.”
Nurses had to intervene because there were no guards around.
“It’s unbelievable that there wasn’t any security, considering this took place after 11pm at night. This is a casualty and trauma area, where many people are brought in, including drunk and violent patients,” said Mzukwa.
“There is a troubling trend of targeted violence against medical practitioners.”
In another recent case of questionable security, an intern doctor was hijacked in the parking lot of a Gqeberha hospital at 8am.
“But despite her running after the hijackers and her car, they drove right through the security gate and past the guards, who didn’t even act.”
Lapses
SAMA CEO Dr Mzulungile Nodikida called for immediate, improved security measures in all healthcare settings, particularly in high-risk areas like casualty and trauma units, and government accountability and engagement to deal with security lapses.
“Despite multiple engagements with local and national authorities, including police Ministers (Bheki) Cele and (Senzo) Mchunu, there has been no adequate response.”
A multi-sectoral strategy needed to be developed, involving government, security agencies, healthcare providers and community stakeholders, and should include staff training on managing violent incidents and the establishment of rapid response protocols, Nodikida said.
Psychological support and counselling services should also be available for those affected by these traumatic events.
Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi had appointed a ministerial task team for safety and security in all public health facilities, and “significant progress has been made”, including comprehensive security assessments at high-risk public health facilities where recommendations are “actively being implemented”.
“Enhanced management of private security contracts ensures greater accountability, and there has also been redeployment of tactical security teams to critical high-risk areas.”
There were increased police patrols to facilities that were considered high risk, Mohale added, while there was also the possibility of police reservists being deployed to those labelled very high risk.
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