9 February 2005
The Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang expressed shock at the attempted rape and subsequent death of a patient in Pretoria Academic Hospital on Monday, February 07.
The Minister was briefed yesterday by the Gauteng Department of Health about the incident. The structure of the hospital, which has multiple entrances (40), poses a major challenge for access control. All entrances are locked at 19:00 and the hospital can be accessed through main entrances, which always have a security guard.
The Provincial Department reported that security guards conduct patrols regularly on foot and in patrol vehicles. To improve security, security staff are now searching throughout the hospital at the end of visiting hours to ensure that everyone vacate the hospital wards. Continuous patrols are conducted throughout the night and any person found in the premises other than staff and in-patients is escorted out of the hospital. Staff members have also been requested to report any strangers inside the premises to the security immediately.
"Maintaining an appropriate balance between public access and adequate security systems is a major challenge for health facilities. I urge all the provinces to maintain adequate security systems at all hospitals to ensure safety particularly of our inpatients," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
Issued by Ministry of Health
Contact: Sibani Mngadi 0827720161