The Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has today written to KZN Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane Zulu and her HOD, Dr Sandile Tshabalala, (view here) calling for immediate intervention at the Pholela Community Health Clinic (CHC) in Bulwer.
This as healthcare workers continue to protest amid claims that their concerns over a rise in Covid-19 infections amongst staff within the facility are not being heard by management or the Department.
The DA is extremely concerned by the rising rate of infection amongst KZN’s healthcare workers – including doctors, nurses and other staff – along with the reported arrogance of hospital and clinic management in dealing with their fears. KZN has already seen numerous strikes by healthcare workers – from Edendale and Umngeni Hospitals in Umgungundlovu, to Albert Luthuli, Addington and the Phoenix Community Health Clinic (CHC) in eThekwini.
According to staff at the Pholela CHC, more than seven healthcare workers have now tested positive with Covid-19. The staff are from various different departments within the facility, including administration, the Out-Patient Department, maternity, pharmacy, nursing housing and reception.
Another major concern among staff is the lack of transparency.
They claim that they were only informed about the infection situation after pressuring management for the information. In addition, staff claim that some of those who are infected may have continued working despite being positive. This would be in clear violation of Covid-19 protocols. A meeting between staff and the Harry Gwala Health District Director yesterday revealed that the clinic would not be closed, remaining staff would not be tested and if the strike continues, they would face disciplinary hearings.
At a press briefing held on Sunday, KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, advised that her Department has a protocol in place to determine the closure of a facility and in respect of staff testing. She also stated that this process occurs when staff from different departments within a facility test positive and when there is no clear path of spread.
It is clear that the current situation at the Pholela CHC fulfils the MEC’s criteria for closure and staff testing. Yet her Department’s District Director refuses to comply, seemingly in violation of Departmental protocol. This is an important health facility for rural residents in Bulwer and the situation must be handled properly.
It is our healthcare workers who are the true heroes of the Covid-19 health crisis and everything possible must be done to ensure they are protected and that the protocols for their protection are enforced. It is untenable that a situation such as that at the Pholela CHC should exist – one where staff members are being placed at serious risk and then intimidated when they protest.
If MEC Simelane-Zulu is indeed serious about protecting KZN’s healthcare workers, then she must go beyond mere words and take active steps to do so. The DA will take all the steps necessary to ensure that our medical heroes are protected.