'He was full of praise for nurses'

Poor clinical care accusations found to be unsubstantiated by health ombud.

- Molefe Seeletsa

Though most of former radio talk show host Tom London’s claims were found to be unsubstantiated, the healthombud identified significant issues related to human resources (HR), staff shortages, cleanliness, security and financial management at Helen Joseph Hospital.

The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) and the health ombud released the findings of a risk-based inspection and investigation into allegations against the hospital.

This followed a series of videos shared on social media in September last year by London, whose real name is Thomas Holmes, in which he alleged mistreatment, negligence and poor infrastructure at the hospital.

Health ombud Prof Taole Mokoena revealed that London, along with the hospital’s management, staff, and senior officials from the Gauteng department of health, were interviewed as part of the probe. The hospital was also inspected.

“Not only where Tom London was accommodated, but in other parts of the hospital to assess the generality of the problems that he was experiencing ,” Mokoena said.

The health ombud’s investigation primarily focused on clinical aspects, while the OHSC addressed infrastructure, HR and governance concerns.

Mokoena confirmed that London’s claim of spending three days in the emergency department due to the unavailability of a bed was substantiated.

He said this was a breach of Regulation 22 of the National Health Act’s Norms and Standards, which requires health establishments to monitor waiting periods to prevent excessive delays.

However, London’s allegation that doctors at the hospital disrespected patients and treated them poorly was not substantiated.