Two KZN medics suspended for ‘abandoning’ patient
Two paramedics from the KZN Health Department have been suspended for allegedly abandoning a sick Umlazi woman.
It's understood the medics responded to a call from a woman in distress in the Durban South area on Sunday night.
After arriving at the scene, the emergency services workers apparently refused to leave the ambulance to walk down a stairway to reach the patient.
KZN Health spokesperson Agiza Hlongwane says the family and neighbours alleged they had to carry the woman up after the medics told them it wasn't their job.
The paramedics accused them of being too slow, wasting their time, and subsequently left without the patient.
"The department is deeply disturbed by these allegations, as such actions are acutely opposed to emergency care providers’ main objectives,” says Hlongwane.
"These include conserving life; alleviation of suffering; promoting health; doing no harm; and encouraging the quality and equal availability of emergency medical care services.
"The department would also like to acknowledge and appreciate the actions of those who tagged its executive and senior officials on Facebook to draw their attention to the matter.
"The department will not hesitate to take the most stringent action possible against any emergency healthcare staff who deliberately fail to discharge their duties and prioritise the life and well-being of those in need."
