Some staffers at the Voortrekker Hospital in Mokopane in Limpopo embarked on a picket, demanding better facilities and management. It follows their strike action in March.
They say demands made at the time have not been met by the provincial Health Department. Staffers say facilities at the hospital are inadequate or dysfunctional.
A particular concern is the 96 bed hospital’s theatre. They claim the air-conditioner does not work.
“If the doctor makes a mistake they are the one who is going to account. When the patient dies the doctor will be the one who is responsible for the death. So we said no, we can give the doctor’s whatever they need not to disturb their work,” says Dr. Moses Phadu.
National Health Education and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) and Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) members went on strike in March, giving the Department two weeks to respond to their demands.
Last month, monies were deducted from their salaries for the time that they were striking, sparking further labour action.
The department has since agreed to reverse the deductions and it rejects the workers’ claims.
“If you look at Voortrekker hospital. It’s one of the best hospitals in terms of infrastructure and in terms of maintenance and many other issues. It is actually unfounded,” says Limpopo Health Department Spokesperson Thabiso Teffo.
Another meeting is planned between the department and union leaders.
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