Task team to probe old age home concerns

THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Social Development yesterday made a commitment to establish a task team to look at issues of concern at the Resthaven Old Age Home in Kimberley.

Problems at the old age home came to the fore this week after caregivers embarked on a strike and go-slow following the non-payment of their April salaries.

Following an intervention meeting with the management and board of Resthaven on Wednesday, MEC Gift van Staden yesterday committed the department to establishing a task team to look at all issues of concern at the centre.

The department confirmed that a meeting, comprising the Department of Social Development, the Office of the Premier, represented by Director General Justice Bekebeke, the Department of Health and the management of Resthaven, was convened yesterday morning.

The meeting resolved to establish a multi-disciplinary task team that will immediately start working on the matters of concern at the centre.

“Of critical importance now is that every resident at the centre is assessed by a full complement of health professionals to ensure proper medical care and, if necessary, alternative care for the affected residents will be found. An overall assessment of the facility is being done for revamping. The task team will report monthly on the progress. It needs to be mentioned that we have adopted a similar approach for all the centres in the Province. MEC Van Staden will also today make good on his commitment to meet with the staff and address their grievances,” spokesperson for the Department of Social Development, Gamiem Abrahams, said.