Morale among nurses and other health workers at Chuene Clinic in Ga-Chuene outside Polokwane was at an all-time low as the facility reopened its doors on Tuesday. The clinic, which typically operates 24 hours a day, had been closed for three days following the abduction and rape of two nurses in the early hours of Friday, January 10th.
A staff member at the clinic, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the decision to reopen the facility was made during a meeting on Monday involving workers, community leaders, and officials from the Limpopo Department of Health. Despite health workers, social workers, and other allied health workers showing up for duty, the overall mood was somber.
One worker expressed their devastation, fear, and disappointment, citing ongoing complaints to their employer about the lack of security at the clinic. The security officers on-site were unarmed and seemed to lack adequate training, leaving staff feeling vulnerable.
In response to the traumatic incident, the clinic has suspended its 24-hour services and reduced its operating hours to daytime on weekdays. This decision was made to prioritize the safety of personnel and acknowledge the risks faced by both staff and community members, according to provincial health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana.
Patients were informed late about the clinic’s reopening, resulting in a slow start to the day. One health worker noted that the clinic remained empty for the first few hours after opening, which was unusual considering the usual crowds that gather early in the morning.
One patient, Noni Chauke, shared her experience of traveling to another clinic 20 km away due to the late notice of Chuene Clinic’s reopening. As a chronic patient with depleted medication, she had to show empty packages to nurses at the alternate clinic.
The brazen attack on the nurses involved a heavily armed man surprising security officers and subsequently robbing and sexually assaulting the nurses. The perpetrator remains at large, and sources reveal that Chuene Clinic has experienced previous criminal attacks without harm until this incident.
Civil society organization, The Eyes of the Nation, condemned the attack and called on the community to assist in the investigation. The incident was deemed a setback for service delivery by Health MEC Dikeledi Mashego, who expressed concern for the traumatized nurses.
The National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NUPSAW) placed blame on the Limpopo Department of Health for inadequate security measures and flawed service agreements. NUPSAW called for decisive action to address the shortcomings and ensure the safety of clinic staff.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the attack, the Department of Health has yet to respond to queries regarding security measures and accusations of substandard security services. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by health workers and the urgent need for improved safety protocols in healthcare facilities. With the rise of technology and the internet, the way we consume information has drastically changed. Gone are the days of waiting for the morning newspaper or tuning in to the evening news to get the latest updates. Now, everything we need to know is just a click away.
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