Tensions rise in Whittlesea as residents demand action over mistreatment of a patient at Hewu Hospital.
Three nurses from Hewu Hospital in Whittlesea, Eastern Cape, have been suspended following the circulation of a video showing a naked female patient on social media. Tragically, the patient passed away the same day.
Outraged residents are planning further protests to demand the dismissal of those responsible and to decry poor service delivery at the hospital. Complaints include deteriorating conditions such as leaking roofs and broken facilities. The Eastern Cape Department of Health has promised renovations within the year.
Whittlesea residents allege that the woman, who was known locally, wasn’t assisted promptly because she lacked the R90 fee required from walk-in patients without a referral, unless it’s an emergency.
9jatruecrime reported that, The community has protested multiple times recently and vows to continue until authorities address their concerns. The Department of Health confirmed patients are charged a consultation and bypass fee, depending on circumstances.
According to community leader Ntombozuko Dimaza, the woman was discovered naked with bruises near a dumping site and rushed to the hospital. A distressing video surfaced showing her unattended in a hospital bed, while nurses were heard conversing in the background about her condition.
Manana from the health department confirmed the suspension of the nurses pending a formal investigation. However, residents insist on their dismissal, citing long-standing frustrations over the hospital’s inadequate services and infrastructure.
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On-site visits revealed broken toilets, water shortages, and reports of patients being turned away due to the R90 charge. At a nearby clinic in Ekuphumleni, limited operating hours leave patients with few alternatives.
Sixty-five-year-old Zoyisele Marhaya described difficulty accessing diabetic medication due to restrictive policies. The community views the recent incident as a severe escalation of ongoing neglect.
The department has advertised a tender for renovations and assured steps are being taken to maintain services despite staff suspensions. Hewu Hospital reportedly has a total of 50 nurses.
