Charge after staff ‘assault’ DA member

A Democratic Alliance member of parliament, Annette Steyn, yesterday laid charges against Empilweni Hospital after staff members allegedly assaulted her during an oversight visit.

She claims the inspection to the maternity ward was organised for Tuesday, “but I was chased away”.

“However, I went through to the maternity ward and was informed that only one doctor was available to see patients. The hospital has had no water for three days and the infrastructure is in a shocking state. The ward is filthy.

“While in the ward, a group of people, including staff members and the matron, confronted me. I was physically pushed around after I took pictures of the conditions in the ward. There was also an attempt to grab my phone. I was then marched out of the hospital.”

She said she would write to the DA shadow MEC for health in the Eastern Cape Jane Cowley to take the matter up with health MEC Helen Sauls-August. “I will also write to Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi.” – ANA