MEC for Health vows to 'shape up' following Ombud's damning report

NORTHERN Cape MEC for Health Maruping Lekwene has vowed to take decisive action against clinical staff and officials found responsible for the gross neglect of psychiatric patients at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital (NCMHH) and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH) in Kimberley during 2024.

During the Health Ombud’s investigation into the deaths and mistreatment of psychiatric patients in Kimberley, it was noted that officials were instructed to provide generic responses to investigators.

Lekwene has committed to personally overseeing the department’s response to the Ombud’s findings.

Speaking during a media briefing on July 31, he said a provincial task team would be appointed urgently to monitor the implementation of the report’s recommendations aimed at improving patient safety and quality of care.

“I will oversee the implementation of this comprehensive plan and provide regular updates to the premier, executive committee, the minister of Health and all statutory bodies on progress made since the release of the investigation report on July 30.”

He added that the task team would be responsible for:

• Tracking progress against all defined actions and timelines;
• Reviewing monthly reports from the NCMHH and RMSH CEOs and the head of department;
• Ensuring timely financial reporting in line with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA); and
• Engaging regularly with the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) and Mental Health Review Boards on compliance and patient outcomes.

Lekwene confirmed that officials, including clinical staff at both NCMHH and RMSH who were found to be negligent, would face disciplinary action in accordance with the report.

"The actions to be taken include reporting them to their professional bodies, such as the Health Professions Council. 

“⁠The department is in the process of concluding its investigations into the specific transactions and procurement that the Ombud has found suspect and includes exaggerated costs.

“The department will ensure that a thorough review of the clinical governance guidelines and standard operating procedures is undertaken at both affected hospitals. It is important that all hospitals in the province take the lessons that are proffered by the Ombud.” 

He said the Northern Cape Department of Health remained committed to fully operationalising the NCMHH and other facilities, despite challenges related to limited resources.

“We shall ensure that there are no gaps in accountability and below-par performance. We shall shape things up and overhaul the administration to ensure effective and efficient performance. Within the coming week, we shall take decisive action against some of the officials named in the report, including the referral to professional bodies.” 

Lekwene says plunder and mismanagement of public resources will be uprooted

Lekwene said that all contracts deemed not to be in the department’s interest would be terminated as a “top priority”.

“The department, in consultation with Provincial Treasury, will look towards appointing an investigation team to lead the forensic investigation on all procurement processes at the hospital.” 

He stated that they intended to recruit, develop and train the necessary staff to fill vacancies. 

“The Ombud’s report highlights that financial austerity is one of the factors that contributed to the state of our facilities.” 

Lekwene expressed regret over the lives lost and the challenges experienced at the NCMHH, which affected patients, staff, and the general public.

"This includes prolonged periods while there was no power supply as a result of vandalism. The report of the Ombud opens space for quality improvement and decisive action that will strengthen citizens’ belief in the public health sector. We have a duty to ensure that we serve patients with dignity and care," he stated.