Health Ombud slams Helen Joseph Hospital for poor service
The Health Ombud has made adverse findings against the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg following a complaint by former broadcaster Tom London.
In September last year, Thomas Holmes, aka 'Tom London,' posted a video on social media complaining about the staff and crumbling infrastructure.
The ombudsman found that the hospital had poor service and failing infrastructure.
Health Ombud Professor Taole Mokoena briefed the media in Pretoria on Monday.
The former radio jock alleged that he spent three days in the emergency department due to a lack of beds in the wards, an allegation which was found to be justified.
The second allegation of hospital staff treating patients like cockroaches was not substantiated, and the allegation that the X-ray staff did not administer radiocontrast media during a scan could not be proven.
The ombud also refuted claims by Tom London that doctors did not attend him for 48 hours.
"The investigation found that Mr TA Holmes was seen and examined 23 times while admitted to the facility for eleven days, excluding the initial and ongoing consultations that were performed. The investigation established that Mr TA Holmes was seen by a doctor every day."
The allegation of poor clinical care was also not proven. However, the claims of poor infrastructure were sustained.
The investigation found a breach of the Norms and Standards Regulations, which mandates the hospital comply with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
"The investigators conducted a walkabout in five wards, including the one where Holmes was admitted. The allegation that the painting on the ceiling in the ward was peeling off was substantiated.
"The investigation found that two taps were not working in Ward 8, and one was leaking. Water was leaking onto the vinyl as the basin was not properly affixed to the wall. This posed a risk of bacterial growth," he added.
The probe also established that the electrical plugs where Mr Holmes’s bed were not working.
The ombudsman has recommended that the Gauteng Department of Health prioritise the review of the hospital's staff to be in line with a tertiary health establishment.
Within six months, the hospital should send a report on the implementation of the recommendations to the CEO of the Office of Health Standards Compliance and the Health Ombud.
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