KZN Health investigating video of nurse allegedly ill-treating patient
The Health Department in KZN has condemned an incident in which a nurse allegedly ill-treats a bed-ridden patient at St. Mary's Hospital in Marriannhill, outside Pinetown.
In the video, the nurse appears to be changing the patient’s diaper without drawing the bedside curtains.
She is also heard addressing the patient in a way that does not convey empathy. Concerns over patient privacy have since been raised.
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The department says action will be taken against the health care worker should there be a violation of the health care professionals code of conduct.
The alleged incident took place on Monday. The video was captured by another patient at the hospital and has since circulated on social media.
"If what is portrayed in the video is authentic. It would not be in keeping with the policies of the department. The management of the effected health instructions is investigating the matter," the department's Sam Mkhwanazi says.
Management of St Mary’s Hospital is also dealing with the incident according to the Department of Health’s disciplinary procedures.
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Meanwhile, the department has confirmed that the patient - who was being treated for pneumonia - died this week.
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