The exodus from Universitas

Dr Gideon Visagie leaves at the end of the month to work at a private hospital in Bloemfontein. Staff said he became unhappy after CEO Dr Sehularo Gaelejwe instructed him to act as head of cardiology after Professor Hennie Theron’s suspension for allegedly insulting a security guard.

Dr Chris Snowdowne, a general surgeon, left to go into private practice in Limpopo last month.

Dr Pieter Coetzee, a general surgeon at the nearby Pelonomi hospital, treated patients in the intensive care unit at Universitas.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Agnetha Geldenhuys resigned this week and will leave in July.

Dr Chris Nel, a rheumatologist, left last month.

Dr Nic van Zyl, the head of clinical services, left earlier this month. However, he had decided to leave long before Gaelejwe’s appointment, to work in Australia.

Sister NB Sitsila, the operational manager in the neonatal department, left last month.

Jack Radebe, the intensive care manager, left last month.

Matron Lesele Thebe, the unit manager for obstetrics and gynaecology, left earlier this year. Radebe and Thebe, according to staff, had a run-in with Gaelejwe.