Health and Wellness
With reference to the complaints against a certain nursing practice whose details have been furnished to her Department for the purpose of her reply:
- (a) When was the first complaint filed against this practice or persons, (b) how many separate complaints have been filed against this person, (c) what was the nature of the complaints filed, (d) what steps were taken by her Department following each complaint and (e) what is the timeline of the action taken;
- whether an investigation into this person was launched; if not, why not; if so,
- whether this person’s practice suspended while the investigation took place; if not; why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
- whether this person is (a) qualified and (b) registered to operate a clinical nursing practice; if so, what are the medical services permitted;
- whether the Clinical Nurse Practice is still operating in the Atlantis community; if not, (a) when was the practice closed and (b) what are the circumstances of the closure; if so, is the practice lawful?
(1)(a) The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness (WCDHW) has not received any official complaints about this practitioner.
(1)(b) We therefore have no record of the number of complaints.
(1)(c) The nature of any complaints made to other parties is unknown to WCDHW.
(1)(d) n/a
(1)(e) n/a
(2) WCDHW has not launched an investigation. Complaints about nurses in private practice fall under the South African Nursing Council which is the statutory body empowered to investigate such matters.
(3) WCDHW cannot confirm whether the practice was ever suspended. This information can only be provided by the practitioner or the South African Nursing Council.
(4)(a)(b) Registered nurses in South Africa are required to renew their registration annually with the South African Nursing Council. Confirmation of her current registration and scope of practice rests with the South African Nursing Council, the body that issues practising certificates to nurses. Any permitted medical services are defined by that Council.
(5) The Department does not manage or supervise private practices. We are therefore unable to confirm whether the practice is presently operating in Atlantis or whether it has closed. Compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements is overseen by the South African Nursing Council, the local municipality, and any other relevant authorities.
