The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa) has threatened to down tools if the department of health does not ensure that they are safe at work. According to Denosa, when families of patients seek immediate attention, they take out their frustrations out on health care workers. Denosa's concern stems from an assault on hospital staff by relatives of a man who was brought to the KwaMhlanga hospital in Mpumalanga for medical attention after being shot over the weekend.

FEAR OF LIFE

The incident follows a similar attack at the Themba Hospital in Kabokweni earlier this month. Denosa provincial secretary, Cyril Mdhluli said, "These attacks in the provinces have become a pandemic and workers are fearing for their lives, which will result in workers not being able to render services to the communities. The worrying factor is that these acts are only happening in public health institutions, which clearly indicates that the problem is within our community members and further with the security system that is currently used," Mdhluli said. He added that the Department of Health needs to be reminded that the workers have a right to work in a safe environment as stipulated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

GUARANTEE OUR SAFETY 

Mdhluli appealed to communities to refrain from attacking healthcare workers because they won't get help. "Communities should be made aware that these acts will result in them not receiving healthcare services. SAPS should continuously make routine patrols at hospitals and primary healthcare facilities that offer 24-hour services," he said. Mdhluli said failure to assure safety by the employer, workers will be forced to withdraw their labour as a means of protection from these criminals.