Northern Cape Health officials face action over fatal neglect

OFFICIALS mentioned in the Health Ombudsman and South African Human Rights Commission investigation into the deaths of Northern Cape psychiatric patients are being subjected to disciplinary processes in line with the recommendations of the report.

The report, released in July, uncovered maltreatment, neglect and human rights violations.

One patient froze to death, while another suffered permanent neurological damage from a stroke and was left bedridden following brain surgery. A third patient died after contracting double pneumonia, possibly due to exposure to severe cold.

A complaint was lodged by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on October 10, 2024, following the deaths of two patients at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital (NCMHH) and the critical condition of two others who were admitted to Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH).

The incidents occurred between July and August 2024 when Cyprian Mohoto, Petrus de Bruin and John Louw were admitted to RMSH after experiencing complications at NCMHH. Another patient, Tshepo Mdimbaza, died at NCMHH.

At the time, NCMHH was experiencing severe challenges with electricity supply due to cable theft and vandalism of its power substation.

The hospital was without a stable power supply from October 2023 until August 2024, with generators providing electricity only for a few hours per day. Nurses had to use torches or cellphone lights to care for patients when the facility was plunged into darkness, and medication had to be stored at West End Hospital in cold storage.

Department in mediation with bereaved families

During an oversight visit to NCMHH this week by the Select Committee on Social Services, the acting head of the Department of Health, Mxolisi Mlatha, indicated that he, along with former Health MEC Maruping Lekwene, had visited the bereaved families.

“We are in the process of mediation to come to an agreement over compensation,” said Mlatha.

He added that a task team – consisting of members including the Dean of the University of Pretoria, officials from Provincial Treasury and the Presidency – had been appointed to implement the recommendations of the report.

Mlatha stated that the CEO of NCMHH had been placed on suspension and was undergoing a disciplinary hearing.

“Officials mentioned in the report have been charged for negligence, misconduct and irregular procurement processes. I am looking into the purchase of the golf carts and the procurement of linen and pyjamas that were found to be of poor quality and tore easily. We will request the national director-general to conduct a forensic investigation.”

He explained that the laundry machinery was still experiencing frequent breakdowns, while linen was being sent to Upington to be washed.

“We may need to install cameras inside the washrooms.”

More state patients to be relocated to NCMHH

Mlatha said they intended to relocate 28 state patients who were currently accommodated at correctional facilities to a renovated area of NCMHH.

“We currently have 17 state patients accommodated at NCMHH,” he said.

The biometric fingerprint system, however, is not yet in working order.

Mlatha indicated that they were in the process of recruiting more staff but were experiencing difficulties in headhunting two psychiatrists.

“Some candidates did not apply as they were unable to find suitable accommodation. Sections of the nurses’ college accommodation next to the mental hospital are now available for occupation. Enrolled nurses were in charge of the wards, whereas they should be led by professional nurses specialising in psychiatric patient care.”

Mlatha stated that they were working to ensure that all areas of the hospital had proper heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and that the cameras and biometric system were functioning.

“We will need to bring in technical experts to sort out all the electronic hiccups. It was discovered that the generators were not connecting all areas of the building to a power supply. The premises become very hot in summer and extremely cold in winter. There are some exposed wires where patients might shock themselves.”

He explained that the department was unable to advertise a tender to repair the substation that supplied electricity to the hospital from December 15 to January 15, when the substation was malfunctioning in 2023.

“At the time, Stage 6 load shedding was implemented and the department was not permitted to advertise for tenders over the festive holidays.”

He added that fencing and CCTV cameras had been installed to safeguard the substation.

“Huge amounts of funds are being diverted from mainstream health care to secure the infrastructure.”

Mlatha indicated that they intended to renovate RMSH and improve infrastructure, as it is the only tertiary hospital in the province.

“We cannot break down walls as patients cannot be relocated elsewhere. Improvements and equipment were procured for the RMSH Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit. Construction is anticipated to commence early next year to enhance patient flow and reduce overcrowding.”

The chairperson of the Select Committee on Social Services, Desery Fienies, noted the shortage of medical staff at Northern Cape health facilities, especially specialists in psychiatry.

She added that many senior management posts were occupied by acting officials.

“There are challenges in paying overtime allowances as well as emergency medical vehicles. Funding is allocated according to the size of the population, and while the province is vast, it receives the smallest share,” Fienies said.