The KwaZulu-Natal Department has confirmed that the nurse implicated in the viral video in which a patient is assaulted has been served with suspension papers.
The Department condemned a video of a nurse physically assaulting a patient at King Dinuzulu Hospital.
The video, which has surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), shows the nurse in the ward with patients. She is seen standing beside a patient’s bed, and she starts pointing and then physically shoving her finger in the patient’s face.
The patient and the nurse exchange words, and the nurse moves on to another patient on the bed next to the one she is arguing with.
The Department released a follow-up statement on Thursday, in which it confirmed the nurse has been served with a formal letter of precautionary suspension.
“This suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place pending the finalisation of the disciplinary process. Furthermore, an investigator has been appointed to conduct a full and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident,” the statement said.
The investigator has been tasked with expediting this process to ensure a swift resolution.
The Department has vowed to closely monitor the case to ensure that due process is followed and justice is served.
It further said the assaulted patient has been assessed.
“In parallel with the internal process, we can confirm that the patient has been assessed by a clinical psychologist and is in a stable emotional and mental state. We reiterate our commitment to a safe, respectful, and dignified environment for all patients,’ the Department said.
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