The Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has defended staff at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg, following a video by a patient Tom London who was admitted at the hospital.
In a video, London, is seen ranting that about bad treatment from the staff including doctors, poor working conditions, and non-functioning of equipment amongst others.
Following the video, Nkomo-Ralehoko together with senior officials from the department, conducted an oversight visit at the facility where they were briefed/appraised?? About the care provided to London.
The MEC acknowledged that London was admitted at the hospital on 25 August 2024 presenting with difficulty in breathing, but didn’t agree with some of his allegations.
“He was in the facility for 14 days, where he was cared for, subjected to various tests and stabilised.
On Saturday, 07 September, he signed a refusal of treatment form and discharged himself from hospital.
Having received a briefing from the clinicians on the treatment given to Tom London, the department is satisfied that adequate clinical care was discharged to manage his condition,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The MEC said an investigation will be launched into allegations made by London.
“The department is willing to allow an independent process to review the quality of clinical care provided to him while at the hospital.
There are known infrastructure issues which are being attended to as part the maintenance and refurbishment programme.
However, these have not had a material effect on the treatment given to patients admitted at the hospital,” explained Nkomo-Ralehoko.
