Lax security at hospital a threat to patients, staff
SECURITY is so lax at the Khensani Hospital in Giyani township, Limpopo, that important medical files are left out in the open without being locked securely in cabinets.
UNGUARDED: Important medical files are left unattended at the Khensani Hospital in Giyani township, Limpopo.A midnight stroll in the hospital revealed sleeping security guards and porters, while an unmanned nurse's station had medical files in unguarded areas.
This situation and lack of security pose a danger to both patients and staff at the hospital.
Some of the files were written in bold letters and included waste management, business and strategic plans, laboratory results and order forms as well as budget files.
The more than 20 files were on a desk and an empty chair was testimony to the absence of nurses or other staff.
Asked about the situation, the department of health's Phuti Seloba suggested that the "media should not jump to negative conclusions as to why the files were found where they were.
"You are aware that there is security in the hospital and as such we need to establish why those files were put there and take it from there.
"The intentions might be good but wait until we investigate.
"We will make a determination, which will help us make a move," said Seloba.
"It might be wrong if an assumption is made without factual information.
"We also have information and policies in place which will provide guidance on the matter."
The hospital was recently in the media spotlight following reports that patients waiting for ambulances to transport them to referral hospitals such as Mankweng near Polokwane were found sleeping on the floor.
Meanwhile, the tuck shop at the hospital closed down about two weeks ago after workers - mostly members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union - had allegedly boycotted it "because it was owned by a woman who hailed from Lebowakgomo - more than 200km away - at the expense of local business owners".
"We did not buy from this tuck shop for a long time. We frustrated the woman until she closed shop.
"There are many people in Giyani, let alone Mopani district, who could easily operate the tuck shop and create jobs for many of our people.
"If we don't stand up for our rights, we shall remain with nothing in our own area," said a hospital employee who asked not to be identified.
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guiliano
are we suppose to be supprized? it is a government department where neglegence is the norm.Report Abuse
Lehido
"We will make a determination, which will help us make a move," said Seloba===============================================================
This is the famous government line used when they f*k up....mxm
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SHUKZA
Investigate and resolve the problem as soon as possibleReport Abuse
tops
that means confidentiality is not practised in this hospital................Report Abuse
RobinH
tops: Yes. And that is totally unacceptable.Report Abuse
lebloza
Just investigate and deal with the matter. Because at the end they claim overtimes which they never worked for.Report Abuse
BRA-MAFUTHA
LIMPOPO???Report Abuse
Bhubesi
"You are aware that there is security in the hospital and as such we need to establish why those files were put there and take it from there.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
But you have to restrict information access from both outsiders and unauthorized staff in your premises. Sounds like even garden boys can have a go on public information since they work there and are recognized by security guards.
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"The intentions might be good but wait until we investigate."
Fair remarks by the media seem to irritate your nerves, hence your intellectual excuse.
You couldn't deal with CIA infiltration with that kind of attitude and mentality. 5 minutes is all what agents need to nick files for whatever reason they might want them for. This is how other individuals win tenders over other applicants, because they know procurement policies that other bidders don't know, thereby gaining an advantage. Don't be stubborn just correct the mistake. Whether you investigate or not you still need to protect information from media preying eyes dont you?!.
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Stripes
@Bhubesi. Very well put bro.@BRA - MAFUTHA. This type of incompetence is everywhere chief. This incident has absolutely nothing to do with the province but rather the people's tendency to overlook or disregard organizations' policies and precedures.
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