Action taken against hospital staff following investigation
The employees were suspended last year pending an investigation into alleged unfair employment practices at the hospital
THE Department of Health in KZN reported back to the community on sanctions taken against 30 employees at Mseleni Hospital.
The employees were suspended last year pending an investigation into alleged unfair employment practices at the hospital.
Community members in 2016 threatened to disrupt operations at the hospital over the processes used in employing general orderlies and laundry staff.
They alleged officials were biased in the selection and employment of people for posts advertised and filled at the hospital and claimed the general orderlies’ and laundry posts were filled without any consideration for local people.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Medical fraud trial postponed
Twelve employees received three months’ suspension without emoluments and a final written warning; one resigned before the commencement of the hearing; another absconded before the hearing; and one had since passed away.
MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo also reported on findings regarding senior managers who allegedly forced some general orderlies to undress whilst they were searched for a letter purported to have been written by an Induna confirming the address of one of the appointed orderlies.
He said the two managers were dismissed but later lodged an appeal and were given three months’ suspension without pay, which they have already served.
However the department says these managers should be ‘moved to other facilities as what they did still leaves bitter memories to family members who decry that these are officials who humiliated their elders’.
‘Actually this episode brings back sad memories of this country’s dark past that saw respected men being compelled to strip stark naked for medical examination when they went seeking for work at KwaMuhle in Durban in the 40s and 50s,’ MEC Dhlomo said.
During the meeting, Dhlomo also applauded Inkosi Khulezweni Nxumalo for the restoration of peace and the leadership role he played in ensuring the hospital property and the staff were safe during the community protest action.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
