The KZN Department of Health has launched an investigation into an alleged assault in one of the hospitals in the province. Image: Pixabay
Security guards filmed assaulting a minor patient in KZN hospital dismissed
The KZN Department of Health says the security guards who were filmed assaulting a patient at Ladysmith Hospital have been dismissed.
The KZN Department of Health has launched an investigation into an alleged assault in one of the hospitals in the province. Image: Pixabay
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has instituted an urgent investigation into an incident after two security guards were filmed assaulting a 13-year-old patient in his hospital bed at Ladysmith Hospital.
The incident which has been widely circulated on social media reportedly happened on Thursday evening, 28 September.
YOUNG BOY ASSAULTED BY SECURITY GUARDS IN HIS HOSPITAL BED
The Department confirmed that the two security guards have been immediately dismissed by their employer, who is contracted to provide security services at the hospital.
The department also confirmed that it has instituted an internal disciplinary process against the nursing staff implicated in the matter.
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KZN Health spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa said it is believed that the incident took place on Thursday evening, and was brought to the attention of hospital management on Friday.
Maphisa said the security company implicated in the matter was immediately informed about the incident, and immediately took action against the employees.
“The patient, who suffers from a disability and was a resident of a place of shelter before admission to Ladysmith Hospital, has since been moved to another healthcare facility in Durban,” he explained.
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SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF PATIENTS A PRIORITY
Following the incident, Maphisa said they are shocked and appalled.
“MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane has made it clear that the safety and well-being of our patients is our priority, and that their abuse under any circumstances, and in any way, shape or form, will not be accepted.
“We can confirm that the matter has been reported to the police, and to the Department of Social Development. We can also confirm that a disciplinary process is underway into this matter. This process will look into, among others, where the nurses were when the incident took place; who called the security guards; and why the patient was assaulted.”
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