The Star reports that bites, verbal and physical assault and even being hit with a drip stand are just some of what health care workers face from patients and colleagues in hospitals across Gauteng.  

In a written reply to the DA’s Jack Bloom, Gauteng Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa said that 107 hospital staff had been attacked by patients, relatives or fellow staff members since January last year.  Victims included doctors, nurses, nurse assistants, health care workers, cleaners and security guards.  Tembisa Tertiary Hospital had the most attacks on staff with a total of 16, while at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital there were 13 attacks, Leratong had 12 and Pholosong had eight incidents.  According to Ramokgopa, the identified reasons included frustrated or traumatised patients, alcohol abuse, bad attitudes and some psychotic mental health patients.  Many attacks take place at night or over the weekend, particularly in the casualty department.  Bloom said that he was shocked at the high level of violence inflicted on health workers.

• Read this report by Ilanit Chernick in full at The Star

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page