Striking KZN nurses accused of blocking ambulance ferrying critical child
IPSS Medical Rescue says one of its ambulances came under attack from striking nurses while transporting a child in a critical condition to Stanger Hospital.
Spokesperson Samantha Meyrick says the vehicle was surrounded at the entrance of the facility on Wednesday morning.
She says the protesting healthcare workers also tried to forcibly take the child from the ambulance.
"Fortunately, crews managed to get through with the patient after being assaulted."
Meyrick says the nurses later prevented the ambulance crew from leaving the premises. Security personnel have since arrived to escort them out.
She says one crew member has been injured after being assaulted.
But trade union Nehawu's provincial spokesperson Ayanda Zulu denies striking healthcare workers are chasing away, intimidating or threatening patients and employees.
READ: KZN Health warns public servants over 'illegal' strike
This is despite him saying he wasn't aware of the incident at the facility in KwaDukuza.
He insists their protests at the public hospitals in KZN are peaceful.
"We are making our legitimate demands. It is something that since yesterday the department has been speaking about."
The union embarked on a public sector strike on Monday over government's decision to unilaterally implement a 3% wage increase.
Unions across the sector have rejected it and are sticking to their guns on their 10% demand and a housing subsidy.
Zulu says they won't be backing down.
"We are not going to accept being bullied by the employer. We are going to strike up until our demands are met."
