PRETORIA - The Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) alongside the Health Ombudsman has laid bare the failures that have plagued Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg.
On Monday, Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, released the findings of a risk-based inspection and investigation into allegations against the hospital.
This comes after former talk show host and content producer, Tom London's, viral video about poor treatment and neglect at the facility.
Mokoena dismissed some of London's claims, arguing that they were unsubstantiated.
Among those were claims that patients were treated like ‘cockroaches’ and a deceased patient was left unattended in a ward.
Mokoena said investigations found that the patient was certified dead in the morning and moved to the mortuary within two hours, which follows hospital procedures.
Records further showed that London received regular medical care despite his claim of being ignored for 48 hours, Mokoena said.
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While some of London’s allegations were found to be unsubstantiated, the investigation confirmed serious issues with the hospital’s management and infrastructure.
Mokoena said investigators found peeling paint, broken facilities, and weak water supply on upper floors.
More concerning was governance failures in the Human Resources department which was described as dysfunctional, and lacking policies and procedures.
Mokoena added that security was found to be inadequate, there’s a shortage of food as service providers go unpaid, and a 30% staff vacancy rate.
‘A number of resignations snowballed, especially at the emergency department because it was being revamped and they were relocated somewhere.
The accommodation was not conducive and a lot of nurses did not like the arrangement and resigned, he said.
In light of these revelations, Mokoena provided specified recommendations to both the hospital and the Gauteng Health Department.
For the department, the Health Ombud recommended they prioritise filling vacant posts, refurbish infrastructure, address leadership structures and offer training where needed.
The hospital was ordered to, among other things, strengthen its finance and supply chain management, upgrade security and maintain the facility.
Meanwhile, London has welcomed the report saying it’s a step in the right direction.
He says he hopes this will create a better healthcare system.
By Zandile Khumalo