HEALTH CRISIS LOOMS

THE PROVISION of health services at Galeshewe Day Hospital (GDH) over the festive season hangs in the balance as staff members contemplate strike action in objection to what they describe as “unbearable” working conditions.

- SANDI KWON HOO

Provincial Hospersa chairperson Paul Gras is advocating for the rights of medical and auxiliary staff at Galeshewe Day Hospital.

(Sandi Kwon Hoo/DFA)

The Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa), the South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu), the Democratic Nurses Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) and the Public Servants Association (PSA) held a meeting at the hospital on December 11 after receiving an “unsatisfactory” response from the Northern Cape Department of Health regarding a range of grievances.

Patients reported delays in collecting their medication and accessing medical services since last week.

“There is a shortage of nurses and doctors to attend to all the patients. The current staff were only sufficient for the day shifts, and the facility is now operating on a 24-hour basis. Every month, we sit in long queues for hours on end. We get there by 7am and leave at 4pm, sometimes without medication, and are forced to return the following day,” one patient said.

Hospersa provincial chairperson Paul Gras said they decided to “ambush” what they believed was a year-end function held at a luxury guest house in Kimberley on December 9, attended by district Health officials.

“How can officials be having nice breakfasts and lunches while essential staff are overworked and are struggling to put food on the table for their children?” he asked.