By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Nurses at Taung Gateway Clinic are complaining after they were allegedly being forced to work under bad condition. One nurse who did not want to be named said the department forced them to work under bad condition even though they complained numerous times.
“The clinic is under renovation and there is also burst sewerage in the yard just in front of the main door. Patients are exposed to this bad smell and that affects their health. We are also not given masks to cover our noses.”
Another nurse said: “The management refuses to listen to us and said if we stay away from duty, we will be penalized. We cannot be subjected to these conditions and when we complain we are threatened.”
Economic Freedom Fighter coordinator in Taung, Eddie Mogorwe said: “We are aware of the condition our people are subjected to. The clinic cannot be renovated while is operational. If anything happen to patients, the department will refuse to be held accountable.
“I have personally complained about the sewerage that has burst, but the management did nothing. We are sick and tired to see our people being treated like animals. Imagine being sick and being exposed to bad smell? The North West Health department has collapsed and we will be marching against bad service at Taung Hospital on the 30th April 2018.”
North West Health department spokesman, Tebogo Lekgethwane said: “The clinic was under renovation and patients were going direct to the hospital. However, the matter has been attended to. Sewage pumps are working well no more smell at the Gateway clinic.”
One patient, Magauta Montsho (38) said the smell was so bad that most patients left. Montsho said some of the patients said it was useless to come to the clinic seeking medical attention, but they find situation complicated.
“We hope the department will fix this mess. How can you let the clinic to be operational while is under renovation? The roofing is not safe and it can fall at any given time. The clinic is the only one that is closer. The nurses refuse to help us if we directly go to the hospital because we are supposed to be referred.”
Meanwhile, most clinics across the province are closed because of ongoing strike and they are also out of medication.
The Guardian 