Health workers tested after 3-day protest

Gallery Update Video

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS AND VIDEO - The protest by health workers and other personnel at Midland Hospital in Graaff-Reinet came to an end this afternoon (29 May) after three days.

The personnel demanded to be tested for Covid-19 after a colleague tested positive. They also demanded that the hospital must be decontaminated and all of them must be issued with the necessary personal protective equipment.

PREVIOUS ARTICLE: PROTEST TO CONTINUE OUTSIDE MIDLAND HOSPITAL

After three days of protesting by the staff and meetings between the hospital management and trade unions, the chief executive officer of the hospital, Marie de Vos, and doctor Damien Mabuni, head of clinical services, this afternoon addressed the staff for the first time.

This followed after the protesters marched through the hospital halls, demanding to be addressed.

Mabuni gave them feedback on the colleague’s medical condition, telling them that she is in Livingstone Hospital in Port Elizabeth on a ventilator. He said her condition worsened since yesterday, but assured them that she is stable.

Mabuni then explained to the staff that all of them will be tested and the tests will be sent to Port Elizabeth this afternoon.

De Vos told them that the municipality is busy decontaminating the hospital.

All the personnel were put under self-isolation until their test results come back.
The hospital remains open, with doctors and personnel excluded from risk cases on duty.

PHOTO GALLERY: PROTEST COMES TO AN END

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