Media statement

Thursday, 23 March 2017  

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in KwaZulu-Natal would like to applaud the decision by Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo to close night services at Ntuzuma Clinic due to safety concerns, following the attack of nurses by robbers in the early hours on Saturday.
 
The robbers gained access to the facility from the back entrance and, once inside, they accosted the security guard who was inside the building. The two security guards at the gate were unaware of what was happening inside the facility. Inside the facility, the robbers attacked nurses and took their personal belongings such as cellphones and money before fleeing.

“As an organisation, we have always raised a serious concern about the poor security in facilities where nurses work, especially during night duty, where their lives are often at high risk. Robbers easily gain entry into facilities, and they pose a threat not only to nurses but to patients under the care of nurses. We are happy that the night service is closed at the facility while security measures are under improvement,” says DENOSA Provincial Secretary, Cassim Lekhoathi.

“The decision by the MEC in this regard is a commendable one. Nurses are not able to render adequate and proper care while working under constant fear. We would like the MEC to consider the same for two other facilities, namely Taylors Hall Hospital and Dundee Hospital, where safety remains a concern for us.”
DENOSA is also happy that the ward councilor of the area will be embarking on a community engagement, warning about the dangers of wreaking havoc in the area’s health centre as this will force community members to go to far areas like KwaMashu to get medical attention during ungodly hours.

Security has always been a serious concern that we have expressed for nurses who work night duty in our clinics. Ironically, these facilities are serving the very same community members who are robbing them at night. Some robbers steal equipment and medication.

DENOSA urges communities to take ownership of their health facilities, and ensure that nursing cadres who work in those facilities work under no fear.  

End

Issued by the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA)
For more information, contact:
Cassim Lekhoathi, DENOSA Provincial Secretary in KwaZulu-Natal
Mobile:  072 553 1636
Tel: 031 305 1417
Website: www.denosa.org.za
Twitter: @DENOSAORG