According to Mahlangu’s statement, the hospital’s new nurses are slated for the maternity, casualty and medical wards at the Natalspruit Hospital (File photo)

Mahlangu’s announcement follows OurHealth’s report that Katlehong resident Bheki Mabuya recently died after waiting 12 hours for the bed at the hospital. Mabuya had been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, or a swelling of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by an infection. The condition is serious and can lead to brain damage and hearing loss.

In a statement released yesterday, Mahlangu expressed her regret over Mabuya’s death and her condolences to his family. She has also requested a full report to follow up on allegations by Mabuya’s wife, Nosiphiwe Malangabi, and fellow community member Nomthandazo Ndlela that nurses were rude and uncooperative.

“We are welcoming a group of 15 enrolled nurses (staff nurses) and a total of 12 doctors who are starting in the coming weeks,” Mahlangu added in the statement. “Improving quality of care will require more healthcare workers who are imbued with a sense of service and dedication.”[quote float= left]”When people question the way we do things we must always respond with empathy and not be complacent”

“The quality of care must always be of high standard, and when people question the way we do things we must always respond with empathy and not be complacent,” said Mahlangu, who vowed that the department will continue to make contact with dissatisfied families and patients to improve care.

Mabuya’s sister-in-law Mandisa Malangabi responded to the statement on behalf of the family. Malangabi said a systemic change was needed within the public health system.

“What is required, and indeed what decision makers seem to be asking for, is a systematic, explicit approach to priority setting,” she told OurHealth. “If the health care department can fast track the process through commitment and dedication, and strive for continuous improvement which focuses on   burnout, low morale of staff and an ignorance of patients’ rights … issues like these can be eliminated.”

Mabuya’s death comes just days after Health-e News revealed a backlog in cervical cancer screening that has left some women waiting months for tests to verify whether they may be living with cervical cancer. – Health-e News.