DENOSA KZN is deeply disappointed by the ongoing challenges at Northdale Hospital, particularly concerning security issues allegedly stemming from the non-payment of contractors, and the lack of electricity due to the failure of the back-up power system.
While DENOSA acknowledges the intervention by the Department in providing additional security in the interim, it remains inadequate as it does not cover the entire hospital. Consequently, the safety of workers and patients is still not guaranteed. The hospital remains an unsecured environment for both patients and staff.
Of particular concern is the fact that the main gate remains wide open without any effective security control, leaving workers — especially nurses, the majority of whom are women working directly with Mental Health Care Users — extremely vulnerable.
Additionally, the casualty unit operating without security guards leaves nurses, particularly those working night shifts, dangerously exposed. Many patients and their relatives, some of whom may be intoxicated, can become aggressive and violent, putting both staff and other patients at risk.
DENOSA strongly believes these ongoing issues are a result of poor planning and ineffective management.
We maintain our position that the Department must urgently insource security services. This move would eliminate the recurring problems related to contractor non-payment and ensure a consistent and accountable security presence at health facilities.
Regarding the electricity crisis, DENOSA finds the situation both unfortunate and unacceptable — especially given that the municipality had issued prior notices regarding scheduled load-shedding. We call for consequence management against those responsible for failing to maintain operational back-up power systems.
DENOSA is gravely concerned about the broader electricity challenges facing healthcare facilities across KwaZulu-Natal. We believe all facilities must be equipped with well-maintained, fully functional back-up generators that meet necessary operational standards.
It is completely disheartening and unacceptable that nurses have had to rely on their personal cell phones to light hospital units during blackouts — exposing themselves and their patients, particularly those in critical areas such as ICUs, to significant risks.
DENOSA demands that the Department implement a permanent and sustainable solution to the electricity and load-shedding challenges affecting healthcare facilities, to prevent future occurrences at Northdale and elsewhere.
Finally, DENOSA calls on all its members to immediately report such unsafe situations to the Provincial Office and reminds them not to continue working in unsafe conditions where their safety and that of their patients cannot be guaranteed.
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Issued by: Andile Mbeje – DENOSA KZN Provincial Secretary – 072 553 1636
