Pretoria - Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC Qedani Mahlangu has issued a stern warning to health professionals who are indifferent to the suffering of their patients.
During her visit to the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital at Garankuwa on Friday, MEC Mahlangu said the department was willing to assist the hospital wherever possible, but it will not put up with nurses and doctors who neglect their patients.
"I'll always be behind you and support you when you do good things, but I will also hammer you when you do bad things.
"I'm horrified with nurses who have tea, while a patient is waiting and in pain. You need to become human beings and assist people when they come to your institution, needing your attention," Ms Mahlangu told doctors and nurses.
Ms Mahlangu's visit was part of the department's Operation Kuyasheshwa La, which was recently launched to improve and accelerate the delivery of health services in the province.
Through this operation, the MEC is visiting all provincial hospitals to get first hand information on their challenges so that the department can offer assistance.
She encouraged staff members not to be afraid to call her directly if they had serious challenges, including the Chief Executive Officer if he has a problem with the staff.
She further urged health workers to dress appropriately for work.
"I don't like to see nurses with long nails and long hair hanging over a patient when attending to them and wearing their stomachs out, we need to promote hygiene.
"I hope that as we scream aloud your weaknesses, you will realize that we want you to behave in a respectable manner and be passionate about your work," she said.
Ms Mahlangu promised that the department would address challenges at the hospital such as lack of equipment, infrastructure and shortage of staff.
"We are going to deal with those issues, where we can, and prioritise your needs such as working conditions," Ms Mahlangu said.
Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr Trevor Fisher, said he was grateful for the shift in the budget allocated to the hospital, which was increased from R870 million to over R928 million in the 2009/10 financial year.
