DEPARTMENT CONDEMNS THE ASSAULT OF A NURSE BY A PATIENT
The Limpopo Department of Health condems anincident in which a female nurse was assaulted by a male patient at Relela Clinic in Bolobedu outside Tzaneen. It is alleged that the patient had visited the clinic to get a sick note to produce to his employer, despite the fact that he did not consult at the clinic but bought medication at the chemist. The patient allegedly stormed the consultation room where the nurse was busy assisting another patient and demanded to be assisted immediately. The nurse requested the patient to queue just like any other person. An altercation ensued and the patient allegedly grabbed the nurse with a her skirts and started assaulting her. He attempted hitting her with a brick but he was blocked by other patients. MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba has called on the community of Bolobedu to stand up and protect health care workers. “I am appalled by this incident that is happening at the backdrop of kidnapping and rape of a nurse at Madumane which is a stone throw from Relela. The onslaught against healthcare proffessionals need to be stopped now because one day we will wake up with no one to take care of us when we are sick because no one want to work in an environment where they don’t feel safe. The community must stand up,” says MEC Ramathuba.
The perpatrotor has since been arrested and expected to appear in court.
