SUBSCRIBE
Monday, May 12, 2025
Health For Mzansi
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
No Result
View All Result
Health For Mzansi

Nurse stabbed: Healthcare workers at risk

by Ivor Price
2nd March 2023
in Trending
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
Onus now on healthcare workers to fight off violent patients

The future of nursing in South Africa hangs in the balance. Experts warn of a looming nursing shortage, fuelled by retirements and the brain drain. Photo: Supplied/Health For Mzansi

The recent attack on a nurse at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg highlights the ongoing issue of violence against healthcare workers while on duty in hospitals and clinics across the country. This incident is not an isolated one, as healthcare workers in South Africa have been experiencing violence and aggression for years.

Many healthcare workers in the country have experienced some form of violence while on duty. This is a significant issue that needs urgent attention from both the government and healthcare facilities.

Health-e News reports that the attack on the nurse at Helen Joseph is particularly concerning as it occurred on hospital grounds, a place that should be safe for healthcare workers to carry out their duties. The nurse was on a break in the parking lot when he was attacked by two men who were escorting a patient.

The attackers attempted to steal the nurse’s cell phone and stabbed him in the stomach before fleeing the scene. This act of violence is not only a violation of the nurse’s rights but also endangers the lives of patients who rely on healthcare workers for their wellbeing.

Gauteng health and wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko condemned the attack and called for the police to track down the attackers, as the incident was caught on CCTV cameras.

“We condemn this act of hooliganism and criminality in the strongest possible terms. We implore the police to track down the attackers as the incident was captured on CCTV cameras,” says Nkomo-Ralehoko in an interview with Health-e News.

However, this is not enough to address the root causes of violence against healthcare workers. It is crucial to understand the reasons behind these attacks and develop effective measures to prevent them from happening in the first place.

One of the reasons for the high rates of violence against healthcare workers is the lack of adequate security measures in healthcare facilities. Many healthcare facilities in South Africa lack sufficient security personnel and have inadequate security systems, leaving healthcare workers vulnerable to attacks from patients or their relatives.

The government must ensure that healthcare facilities have sufficient security measures in place to protect healthcare workers from violence and aggression.

Moreover, there is a need for training and education for both healthcare workers and patients on how to deal with difficult situations in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers need to know how to identify and manage potentially violent situations, while patients and their relatives must be educated on how to communicate their concerns without resorting to violence.

Additionally, healthcare facilities should have clear policies in place for dealing with violent incidents, including reporting procedures and support for victims.

Furthermore, it is essential to address the underlying factors that contribute to violence against healthcare workers, such as the shortage of healthcare workers, long working hours, and inadequate remuneration.

Healthcare workers in South Africa are often overworked and underpaid, which can lead to frustration and burnout, making them more vulnerable to violence and aggression. Experts warn government needs to prioritise the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers, ensure decent working conditions and salaries, and provide support for healthcare workers’ mental health.

READ NEXT: Vaginal bleeding: ‘What the f*** is happening?’

Ivor Price

Ivor Price

Related Articles

Lung disease
Trending

Beyond the cure: Many TB survivors face lung disease

by Chris Bateman
8th May 2025
Flu
Trending

Flu season is on! Time to get your shot

by Raylentia Simmons
23rd April 2025

Stories

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites
Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics
Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy
Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen
No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches
How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth
Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing
Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers
No Result
View All Result

Latest

Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food
Health Heroes

Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

by Vateka Halile
12th May 2025

Pregnant at university. First in her family to study. Now a leader in chronic disease prevention. Dietitian Phumelele Mthembu didn’t...

Read moreDetails
Pregnancy

Fighting pregnancy fatigue: What your body might be telling you

9th May 2025
Lung disease

Beyond the cure: Many TB survivors face lung disease

8th May 2025

Time to revive Mzansi’s nutritious indigenous crops

7th May 2025
Indigenous foods

Indigenous foods: Nature’s wisdom in every nourishing bite

6th May 2025
Health For Mzansi

Contact us
Office: +27 21 879 1824

News: hello@healthformzansi.co.za
Advertising: sales@foodformzansi.co.za

Awards & Impact
Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy
Copyright

Somagwaza

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites

cropped-scott-webb-yekGLpc3vro-unsplash.jpeg

Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics

Dr Sinethemba Makanya

Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy

Dietitian on a mission: Love, loss, and healing through food

Fighting pregnancy fatigue: What your body might be telling you

Beyond the cure: Many TB survivors face lung disease

Time to revive Mzansi’s nutritious indigenous crops

Indigenous foods: Nature’s wisdom in every nourishing bite

Art meets medicine: Mother and daughter share grit and glory

error: Content is protected !!
No Result
View All Result
  • Trending
  • My Health
  • Conversations
    • Podcast
    • Health Heroes
    • TV
  • Grow It
  • My Food
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes

© 2021 Health For Mzansi | Farmers For Change Pty (Ltd)

HIV and initiation: Supporting boys through cultural rites Security fails as gangs target Eastern Cape clinics Dr Makanya blends spiritual healing with art therapy Canola oil: A heart-healthy choice for your kitchen No more pain! Tackle the torment of toothaches How smoking causes harmful bacteria in your mouth Discover delicious, healthy dishes that will make your heart sing Rediscover the joy of creamy pap with chicken livers