The North West Health Department has launched an investigation following the death of a long-term patient at the Witrand Hospital in Potchefstroom.
This after a video on social media about the incident regarding the matter which the department described as “unclear circumstances.”
Following the incident, MEC Sello Lehari, accompanied by a high-level delegation visited the facility, as part of the department’s ongoing Re Bona Ka Matlho oversight programme, which aims to proactively engage health facilities and respond swiftly to emerging issues of concern.
The department said the hospital is one of the province’s leading specialized institutions, providing care for individuals with intellectual disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and patients requiring physical medicine and rehabilitation services.
Lehari and his delegation engaged the hospital’s management team to gather preliminary information, and they were also informed that the matter has already been referred to law enforcement authorities.
The MEC has since established an internal investigation team comprising of Provincial Head of Clinical Services, legal experts, and experienced health service managers, to investigate the allegations and provide a comprehensive report within two weeks.
“As a department, we take these allegations with the utmost seriousness.
The safety and dignity of patients in our care are non-negotiable.
While we await the outcome of the police investigation, we are conducting our own internal inquiry to ensure that the facts are established and that any necessary actions are taken swiftly and responsibly,” said Lehari.
Furthermore, the MEC committed that the department will fully cooperate with the police and any other relevant authorities to support a complete and conclusive investigation.
