By OBAKENG MAJE
13 November 2026 – A nurse at Taung District Hospital has sustained a broken leg after allegedly being attacked by a patient while on duty, raising concerns about the safety of healthcare workers at the facility. The incident reportedly occurred during the night shift on 9 November 2026 in the hospital’s medical unit.
The patient, who was reportedly experiencing acute confusion, allegedly became physically aggressive towards the nurse.
According to North West Department of Health spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane, the nurse sustained a fracture after falling while attempting to escape the attack. Lekgethwane confirmed that the injured nurse received immediate medical attention, while hospital staff took steps to ensure the safety of other patients and employees in the unit.
However, the incident reportedly left other nursing staff traumatised. On the morning of 10 November 2026, nurses working in the affected unit vacated their duty stations, citing emotional distress and requesting to be released from the unit.
“The hospital management, together with labour representatives and Employee Wellness Services, engaged the staff to provide psychosocial support and address their concerns. Counselling and trauma debriefing have been offered.
“We acknowledge the emotional impact of the incident on healthcare workers, but the release of all nurses from the affected unit was not a viable option, as this would create a critical staff shortage and potentially compromise patient care and safety,” he said.
Lekgethwane further said hospital management had since introduced several interventions to address the incident and prevent similar occurrences. He added that these include formally registering the injured nurse’s case as an Injury on Duty (IOD) in accordance with the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), as well as formally reporting and investigating the security concerns in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
“The hospital has also initiated a review of its existing security arrangements and risk mitigation measures within the affected unit. The Employee Wellness Support services would continue providing assistance to employees affected by the incident.
“The department confirmed that the injured nurse is currently admitted to Victoria Private Hospital in Mahikeng, where she is receiving further medical treatment. The hospital management was actively managing the situation in consultation with relevant stakeholders and that further updates would be communicated as the matter progressed,” said Lekgethwane.
He said the hospital remains committed to the safety and well-being of both staff and patients, and to ensuring uninterrupted clinical care. Lekgethwane said the department has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe environment for both healthcare professionals and patients while maintaining the continuity of essential health services.
Meanwhile, the incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare workers who must provide essential medical services while navigating potentially difficult and unpredictable working conditions.
