HOSPERSA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO SLAIN TEMBISA HOSPITAL NURSE
Hospersa, a Union of more than 70 000 healthcare workers [predominately Nurses] in the public and private health sector, has sent its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the nurse that was gunned down by her partner at Tembisa Hospital yesterday. The Union has also called for improved safety in hospitals and clinics.
Yesterday morning, a 30-year old police officer arrived at the Tembisa Hospital in a state vehicle that was fitted with blue lights and entered the facility. It is reported he then called the nurse, his partner, to come to the parking lot and then shot her on arrival before turning the gun on himself. The suspect was then air-lifted to another hospital and is in critical condition. The Tembisa Hospital was temporarily closed following the incident to allow witnesses to receive adequate counseling support. Hospersa has sent its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. The Union has also called for improved security measures in hospitals and clinics for the safety of health workers and patients.
“Hospersa is saddened by the incident that took place yesterday morning at Tembisa Hospital,” said Hospersa Gauteng Provincial Secretary Bongi Khuzwayo. “We send our deepest condolences to the nurse’s family, colleagues and friends. We also applaud the department of health for speedily closing the facility to allow staff and patients that witnessed the incident to receive the necessary support to deal with the grief and trauma of this incident,” added Khuzwayo.
“We call on the Department of Health to review the security measures in hospitals and clinics,” said Khuzwayo. “While the handling of firearms is within the domain of law enforcement officers, we cannot turn a blind eye to the serious security gap that this fatal incident unveiled at our health facilities. It is clear that more needs to be done to improve the safety of our health workers in hospitals and clinics,” concluded Khuzwayo.