Strike threat at Galeshewe Day Hospital as staff protest shortages, unpaid overtime

THE PROVISION of health services at Galeshewe Day Hospital (GDH) over the festive season hangs in the balance as staff members contemplate strike action in objection to what they describe as “unbearable” working conditions.

The Health and Other Services Personnel Trade Union of South Africa (Hospersa), the South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu), the Democratic Nurses Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) and the Public Servants Association (PSA) held a meeting at the hospital on December 11 after receiving an “unsatisfactory” response from the Northern Cape Department of Health regarding a range of grievances.

Patients reported delays in collecting their medication and accessing medical services since last week.

“There is a shortage of nurses and doctors to attend to all the patients. The current staff were only sufficient for the day shifts, and the facility is now operating on a 24-hour basis. Every month, we sit in long queues for hours on end. We get there by 7am and leave at 4pm, sometimes without medication, and are forced to return the following day,” one patient said.

Staff ‘gatecrash’ function

Hospersa provincial chairperson Paul Gras said they decided to “ambush” what they believed was a year-end function held at a luxury guest house in Kimberley on December 9, attended by district Health officials.

“How can officials be having nice breakfasts and lunches while essential staff are overworked and are struggling to put food on the table for their children?” he asked.

He warned that there would be a significant impact on service delivery over the festive season.

“Medical and auxiliary staff will down tools and will withdraw overtime duties. Doctors are working 120 hours per month, while there is still no clarity regarding overtime payments that have been outstanding since August. There are only two nurses on duty over the festive period, which is typically a very busy time of the year,” Gras added.

Shortage of equipment and staff

Gras said there was a dire shortage of basic equipment, including oxygen and blood-pressure machines, as well as non-pharmaceutical supplies such as gauze and catheters needed to safely dispense medication.

“Critical, vacant and funded posts are not being filled, while doctors who have completed their community service are not being hired despite the shortage of doctors.”

In correspondence addressed to the acting head of the Department of Health, staff members raised concerns over the critical shortage of medical staff, professional nurses for the maternity ward, clerks, cleaners, porters and security personnel at GDH.

It was indicated that there is no appointed radiographer at the hospital during the festive period.

Staff said workers were overstretched and left to operate in an unsafe environment.

“The situation remains volatile and poses ongoing medico-legal, reputational and ethical risks.”

Staff members also noted that there was no safe for the lawful confiscation of weapons and that the safety of patients and staff was compromised.

“Despite an undertaking to boost the number of medical officers over the festive season, there are only two nurses on duty and two doctors on call every night. Duty over weekends and public holidays is also limited,” they added.

It was noted that this arrangement was not agreed upon by all stakeholders and is in contravention of existing overtime contract obligations.

Staff further argued that, since GDH is classified as a Community Health Clinic, patients transported to the facility for stabilisation fall outside its mandate.

PSA provincial manager Steve Ledibane said they had advised their members to remain in their posts for now.

In a statement, Samatu objected to the negative implications of the termination of fixed commuted overtime allowances at the Northern Cape Department of Health.

“This will have negative implications on the livelihoods of doctors. We therefore strongly condemn this move by the department. Not only does it compromise the well-being of doctors, but it will certainly affect the quality of health care delivered to patients.”

Department dispels ‘niceties’

Department of Health spokesperson Lebogang Majaha said Health officials were attending data management training, contrary to claims that year-end functions and “niceties” were taking place.

“The department has not approved any funding for end-of-year parties or so-called niceties.”

He said unions were promptly updated in writing on progress regarding resolutions reached during a meeting held on December 3.

"This follows a meeting that was held between management and organised labour representatives at Galeshewe Day Hospital." 

Majaha said all outstanding overtime would be processed, with payments expected to reflect in the pay cycle dated December 15.

“The department is not aware of any strike action. Health services at the said facility are currently running smoothly.”

He added that the department was in the process of recruiting clinical and non-clinical staff.

“The process is within our budget. A festive season operational plan is in place,” he stated.