Tensions reached a breaking point on Tuesday following a briefing by the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding heart surgery outcomes at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). The Charlotte Maxeke Cardiac Crisis was highlighted as the party alleged a severe collapse in surgical safety. Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Health insists that patient outcomes have significantly improved over the last two…
Tag: Health Ombud
-
George Mukhari Patient Death Exposes System Failures
South Africa’s public mental health system is back in the spotlight after the Health Ombud released findings into the George Mukhari Hospital death of 35-year-old Lerato Mohlamme, a psychiatric patient. She died from burn injuries after a fire at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in June 2024. The report paints a picture of routine cruelty and dangerous neglect. It…
-
Health Ombud Findings Expose Patient Safety Failures in Gauteng
South Africa’s Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, has released findings into two separate patient deaths in Tshwane. These findings point to serious breakdowns in safety systems, clinical governance and accountability across both public and private care settings. The first investigation centres on the June 2024 death of 35-year-old psychiatric patient Lerato Mohlamme at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital near Ga-Rankuwa.…
-
Lethal Neglect and Deaths in Kimberley Hospital
An explosive investigation by the Health Ombud has uncovered a litany of catastrophic failures and lethal neglect at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital. The hospital staff left patients in dangerously cold conditions without electricity. This lethal neglect led to at least two deaths and caused severe harm to others. Following a complaint from Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in…
-
NHI Complaints Unit and its Centralised Approach
As South Africa moves towards the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), specific provisions within the NHI Act regarding complaint management have become a significant point of contention. Recent court challenges have highlighted the issue. Sections 42 to 44 establish a centralised investigative unit within the NHI Fund. This unit is the exclusive authority for handling all complaints. These…
-
Scathing report reveals Helen Joseph Hospital’s dirty secrets
An investigation report released by the health ombud on Monday reveals that Johannesburg’s Helen Joseph Hospital is severely under-resourced and poorly managed, making it unfit for purpose. DA politician Jack Bloom and health activists have long expressed concerns about the hospital. However, it only gained significant attention in September when former radio talk show host Thomas Holmes, also known as…