KZN Health MEC welcomes the immediate suspension of nurses accused of ignoring the pleas of a patient in labour

18 February 2020

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu has welcomed the immediate suspension of two nurses who allegedly failed to assist a woman in labour at St Mary’s Hospital on Friday (14 February 2020).

The woman, who was eventually assisted by other patients in the ward to give birth, reportedly had her pleas for help ignored, and was instead allegedly told by nurses on duty to "let us know once the baby starts crying."

The prematurely-born baby unfortunately passed away on Saturday, about eight hours after being born and placed in an incubator.

The nurses were placed on special leave on Sunday, and yesterday received letters notifying them of their suspension pending the finalisation of a formal investigation.

In welcoming the nurses’ suspension, MEC Simelane-Zulu has reiterated her well-documented stance that the mistreatment of patients will not be tolerated.

"I have said this before, and I will say it again: there is no space in this Department for anyone who wants to involve themselves in any kind of misconduct, not least of which is disrespect for our fellow compatriots who come to our facilities out of a desperate need for help. It is the job of healthcare professionals to provide care, support, and overall nursing so that these people, who come to us because they have nowhere to go, can overcome whatever ailment they are suffering from. "Yet, what is alleged to have happened goes against everything that this administration stands for, which is respect for patients and the prioritisation of their needs. Therefore, we expect the accounting officer to investigate and take the necessary disciplinary action when such things happen," said MEC Simelane-Zulu.

Without prejudice, the MEC reminded all nurses of the Nurses’ Pledge of Service that they make before assuming duty.

The Pledge reads as follows:

• "I solemnly pledge myself to the service of humanity and will endeavour to practise my profession with conscience and with dignity
• I will maintain, by all the means in my power, the honour and noble tradition of my profession.
• The total health of my patients will be my first consideration.
• I will hold in confidence all personal matters coming to my knowledge.
• I will not permit consideration of religion, nationality, race or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.
• I will maintain the utmost respect for human life.
• I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour."

Issued on behalf of KZN Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu