Northern Cape mental health patients ‘freezing to death' amid year-long power outage
This after an investigation was initiated following the deaths of two mental health patients, while two others were left in a critical condition.
The Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, on Wednesday released the findings of the investigation into the treatment, complications, and deaths of psychiatric patients in Pretoria.
Mokoena said the delay in repairing the electricity supply to NCMHH was due to dysfunctional supply chain management processes within the Provincial Department of Health.
'This delay rendered the hospital's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system nonfunctional, exposing patients and staff to extreme weather conditions during the summer and winter,' Mokoena said.
He added that NCMHH also procured poor-quality pyjamas and blankets, which were inadequate to provide warmth to patients during the severe winter cold, especially at night.
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By prioritizing your needs, you can enhance your ability to support others and live a more fulfilling life. Solve the daily Crossword
