Hospital staff investigated
STORY: Laurie Smith
Ngwelezane Hospital management were scheduled to meet yesterday (Wednesday) regarding allegations of their medical staff partying before going to work. On Monday the Zululand Observer revealed that members of the Empangeni public had complained of Vista Heights (Rex Henderson Drive) residents holding parties throughout the night several times a week. Hospital spokesperson Tobias Gumede confirmed the building was occupied by medical staff from the hospital.‘We are meeting today and will discuss a way forward with this. Obviously, it is not acceptable for our staff to be at work after drinking and we are taking this very seriously,’ he said. Gumede said a list of residents of the building would be compiled, and the subject of breathalising staff would also be discussed as a solution to the problem. ‘It is problematic in the sense that one cannot tell just on appearance if a staff member is under the influence of alcohol. So other methods of investigation will certainly be considered,’ he said. Gumede reiterated the fact he welcomed information from members of the public regarding this matter, and could be contacted on 083 333 5972. Meanwhile, one resident of Almina Gardens, which borders the Vista Heights building in question, said he had video footage of a drunken party which had taken place over the weekend and would be forwarding the evidence to the hospital.
Have your say. Write to the Editor.
