The Public Servants Association (PSA) is demanding that KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli intervene on claims of victimisation and bullying of its members at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital.
The union alleged that its members were subjected to never-ending abuse at the hospital. It blames the health facility matron and labour relations personnel.
“PSA condemns the autocratic leadership style of one of the matrons and her operational manager. This has led to a lack of consultation with us regarding members’ shift roster changes. …And it resulted in miscommunication and confusion,” said Mlungisi Ndlovu, PSA provincial manager in KwaZulu-Natal.
Alarming shortage of crucial staff
Ndlovu said he was alarmed that the hospital’s ICU staff was extremely overworked and overstressed. This was due to the shortage of personnel in different departments. These include medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, cleaners, porters and administration staff, among others.
“This shortage has resulted in long queues, compromising service delivery. And cause of dissatisfaction amongst clients.
Ndlovu also stressed that his union members were also forced to adhere to new working schedules. And these were never discussed with the workers or PSA.
“PSA members have been forced to adhere to new rosters without appropriate consultation. This … led to instances where they reported according to the previous roster and faced unjustified consequences.
He said that union members were also subjected to unlawful leave without pay. This on the instructions of the matron and the hospital CEO.
“Despite repeated warnings to the CEO and his management, including the Department of Health, Labour Relations and nursing services, this unlawful practice persists. We are extremely concerned about allegations that certain officials are not neutral when dealing with PSA members at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital,” said Ndlovu.
Unfair labour practices
He pointed out that his organisation has formally requested an investigation by the director of labour relations. They also asked the director of nursing to probe these serious allegations.
“The PSA will not allow its members to be subjected to unfair labour practices. [We will not allow] injustice and abuse of power by certain managers.”
The union also demanded that the SA Nursing Council investigate the conduct of the matron at the hospital. It said the health MEC should conduct a neutral investigation into the conduct of certain managers at the health facility. The union also wanted Premier Thami Ntuli to be part of the team that will conduct the probe.
“The shortage of staff, victimisation, and bullying have contributed to resignations. [It also led to] depression, stress, and burnout amongst PSA members and other employees,” said Ndlovu.
Questions were sent to the Premier Ntuli’s office. However, at the time of publishing, there was no response.
PSA didn’t do this under previous Premier.