By OBAKENG MAJE
30 October 2025- Some patients at Ganyesa Hospital alleged that they were spending more time at the healthcare centre than waiting period due to shortage of nurses. According to one patient who refused to be named for fear of reprisal said normally they would go to the hospital at 7am, but only leave around 5pm late.
“You will only see fewer nurses during the day and this affects many patients. Some of us stay far away from Ganyesa and it’s a hustle to access the hospital due to lack of transportation. However, some nurses drag their feet just to prolong our hospital stay. We urge the North West Department of Health to look into the matter.
“We would like to know how many nurses are allocated during the day shift as this is getting out of hand. We also experience delays in treatment, including a general decline in the quality and timeliness of care processes. Sometimes patients leave without receiving treatment because of excessive wait times,” she said.
However, the North West Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane refuted these allegations and described them as absurd. Lekgethwane said they can confirm that there is no crisis of shortage of nurses at Ganyesa Hospital.
“This is according to the nursing staff establishment (structure). The total number of nurses appointed according to structure is 81, consisting of nursing managers, deputy manager, two assistant directors, five operational managers, 36 professional nurses, 15 enrolled nurses and 22 nursing assistants.
“There are a total of 13 vacant nursing posts, which comprises 5 enrolled nurses and 8 enrolled nursing assistants of which have currently been submitted for advertisement. The hospital operates with a total of 10 medical officers as per structure complimented by sub-district medical officers,” he said.
Lekgethwane further said the hospital waiting time is monitored according to the national waiting time guideline. He added that currently the average waiting time is at 1 hour 35 minutes against the target of 3 hours, so there are no long waiting queues.
“Queue marshals are appointed to assist with movement of patients within the hospital, triage system is fully implemented. There’s no overcrowding of patients as the hospital bed occupancy rate is at 62% for the month of September against the target of 60%-75%. The institution will further investigate the raised complaint and remains committed to provide an improved quality of service to all people seeking proper management of the patient waiting time system as per national guidelines and prescription.
“We appeal to patients and members of the community to raise the complaints to the institution at quality office as stipulated by Batho Pele principle, patients’ rights and constitution of the country. They can contact 053 998 9405 to launch their complaints,” said Lekgethwane.
The Guardian 