KZN Health MEC makes surprise visit to troubled Wentworth Hospital

Mounting public complaints about patient care and management at Wentworth Hospital in Durban have prompted an unannounced visit by KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane. The provincial health department said the visit was prompted by mounting concerns raised by the public. Simelane arrived at the hospital shortly before 8 pm, where she witnessed some of the reported challenges first-hand.

“She encountered and experienced some of the issues raised by members of the public and expressed concern over health service delivery and management at the facility,” the department said in a statement. She was later joined by head of department Penny Msimango and district management, a move the department said signalled imminent intervention. The hospital has recently come under scrutiny following a series of incidents that have sparked public outrage.

However, the department disputed the claims, saying clinical decisions were made in line with medical protocols. It added that the matter would be reviewed to establish the full facts. Last month, a mortuary worker at the hospital was suspended after a video circulated online appearing to show him intoxicated and smoking while on duty. In the footage, which triggered outrage, the man is seen sitting on an office chair smoking, while distressed family members confront him, accusing him of being under the influence and failing to perform his duties.