Spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, says the rights of the patients hospitalised at the Free State Psychiatric Complex have been safeguarded and so far the department has not received a single report indicating otherwise.

Earlier this month, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as well as the Heads of Nursing and Supply Chain Management, were placed on precautionary suspension by the department’s head, David Motau, after disgruntled nursing staff downed tools alleging that patient care at the Bloemfontein-based facility is being compromised due to what they deem to be bad management practices.

Following the suspension, officials from the department’s headquarters – Bophelo House – were sent to investigate the facility. The Provincial Health Department initially said the preliminary outcomes of the investigation into the allegations would be released by the end of last week. Mvambi says “we will not neglect to update you as soon as the outcome has been shared with the relevant authorities and determined to be worth sharing with the media and the public”. Motsamai Motsoari will continue as Acting CEO at this facility, till the outcome is revealed. Mvambi previously said the suspension is meant solely to ensure the investigation into angry staff members’ claims against the accused is carried out without prejudicing them.

OFM News