Dear MyPE On Monday 28 November, during the early hours, the NU 11 Clinic in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) was targeted by thieves who vandalised the facility in the most irresponsible fashion. This is the latest of a number of break-ins at clinics in the metro. Copper piping was stolen from the geyser so - during this period of water restrictions in our city - water gushed out of the geyser, destroyed patients' records and damaging infrastructure. This is a huge setback for … [Read more...] about Medical records destroyed by thieves
celeste barker
Cut number of cabinet ministers, not doctors in EC state hospitals
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance is most perturbed to learn (Rapport, 6 November 2016) that our government shuffled departmental budgets to appease the "Fees Must Fall" movement and therefore cannot afford national internships for 307 graduate doctors from the 2017 cohort. These funds should be taken from other sources. We should be cutting the size of the cabinet, not the number of doctors. As state health facilities in the Eastern Cape are already under-resourced and often … [Read more...] about Cut number of cabinet ministers, not doctors in EC state hospitals
Reign of terror continues: fencing contractor robbed at New Brighton Clinic
Dear MyPE The DA is deeply concerned at the daily trauma that patients and staff must endure at the New Brighton Clinic under the reign of terror by criminals. On Friday (subs: 21 October) four men allegedly stole wages from a service provider at gunpoint on the grounds of the clinic. It is ironic that wages were taken from men who were erecting a safety fence! The thieves stole the service provider's cell phone and staff wages amounting to approximately R7 000. Such thuggery and theft … [Read more...] about Reign of terror continues: fencing contractor robbed at New Brighton Clinic
Gun-toting robbers steal patient’s car at Kwazakhele Clinic
Dear MyPE Inadequate security at clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) was once again highlighted on Monday, 10 October when the waiting room of the Lunga Kobese Clinic in Kwazakhele became a life-threatening danger zone. In a well-run province, quality health care would go hand in hand with ensuring the safety of staff and patients. In the latest incident, two gun-toting men allegedly entered the waiting room at the clinic in Kwazakhele at 13:10 and held a male patient at … [Read more...] about Gun-toting robbers steal patient’s car at Kwazakhele Clinic
Another New Brighton Clinic break-in
Dear MyPE Last night, the New Brighton Clinic suffered another break-in, leaving it closed for a second consecutive week. Last week, the clinic was robbed of its computer as well as all of its recyclable geyser components. The provincial government must take urgent measures to secure all clinics in Nelson Mandela Bay as they are becoming frequent targets of criminal elements. If this province was well-run, this should have been happening already. This is very hard on patients who … [Read more...] about Another New Brighton Clinic break-in
Crime at Mandela Bay clinics leave staff fearful and patients at risk
Dear MyPE Continuous break-ins at clinics in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) must end and the safety of staff and patients must be ensured. It is a basic right for people to work in a safe environment and for patients to receive proper healthcare. Three horror stories at clinics in the NMBM have caused unnecessary pain and suffering to thousands of people: A robbery at the New Brighton Clinic on Monday, 5 September 2016; A stabbing inside the Veeplaas Clinic two weeks ago; … [Read more...] about Crime at Mandela Bay clinics leave staff fearful and patients at risk
Justice for Jayde
Dear MyPE The DA Women's Network (Dawn) will picket silently for "Justice for Jayde" outside the North End Magistrates' Court in Port Elizabeth at 09:30 on Tuesday, 03 May 2016. It is a sad fact that despite our country's incredible constitution South African women continue to bear the brunt of an out of control scourge of gender violence. Dawn will raise public awareness around the impact of gender violence on women and their families until the time comes when women's rights - … [Read more...] about Justice for Jayde
Port Elizabeth health care centres show failing system
Dear MyPE On an oversight visit to three Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics in Port Elizabeth this week, I witnessed first-hand how our country falls desperately short of having an efficient, functioning, service-oriented and patient-centered preventive health care system. I was accompanied by my colleague in the national parliament and DA Shadow Minister of Health, Dr. Wilmot James. We will accordingly be requesting a meeting with the Eastern Cape Health MEC, Dr. Pumza Dyantyi, to discuss … [Read more...] about Port Elizabeth health care centres show failing system
Protest over decommissioning of Cathcart Hospital
Dear MyPE The entire Cathcart community is in support of the protest on the N6, which is currently blocking entry to the town. Major complaints are the decommissioning of the Cathcart Hospital into a Primary Health Care Centre, accusations of a lack of consultation by the Department of Health (DoH), failed promises to provide housing, potential job losses and forced relocation to Stutterheim. I have been invited to Cathcart by the local DA Councillor, Moki Mahlati, where I will conduct an … [Read more...] about Protest over decommissioning of Cathcart Hospital
Speak out against all violations of Women’s Rights
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance Women's Network (DAWN) is deeply distressed to read (EP Herald: 23 October 2015) that a complainant's right to privacy and dignity have been violated in protest action at the PE Magistrates' Courts. After the horrors of our past, South Africa crafted a world class, rights based constitution. This constitution is globally recognised as a driver of change, freedom and fairness because it is principle driven and enshrines a Bill of Rights worthy of global … [Read more...] about Speak out against all violations of Women’s Rights
Overflowing water in Riebeeck East tests positive for Ecoli
Dear MyPE The septic tank at the Riebeek East Police Station has been overflowing for some time. This constitutes a health hazard and I am proud to say that the DA cares and has taken action to address the problem. Our members tested the water and were shocked to find that it did indeed test positive for Ecoli! This poses a very serious health risk to the people and livestock who use these roads. The DA supports the Constitution and believes that the health of every single member … [Read more...] about Overflowing water in Riebeeck East tests positive for Ecoli
Women’s Network continues to fight for gender justice
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance Women's Network pickets for gender justice because South Africa is a stunning country but we are struggling against a socio-economic heritage of inequality, selective justice and unfairness. We have one of the best constitutions in the world but battle to translate the paper rights of our constitution into real rights for South African women. For example, black rural women remain the most marginalised, excluded, poor population group in South Africa. We … [Read more...] about Women’s Network continues to fight for gender justice
Nursing students locked out of lectures due to lack of uniforms
Dear MyPE Student nurses in Port Elizabeth are being locked out of lectures at the Dora Nginza-campus of the Lilitha College if they don't wear uniforms. This contravenes the agreement between Lilitha College and the Department of Health, that nursing students may wear their "mufti" (casual clothes) for classes and uniforms when performing clinical duties. No student should be denied the opportunity of attending lectures and receiving the education they need to further their careers. I … [Read more...] about Nursing students locked out of lectures due to lack of uniforms
‘We are not Clicks’
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance is appalled to read that Mr Oesterlein's brother cannot rely on state clinics in the Eastern Cape for his medication. The DA will visit the Walmer Clinic and insist in the Provincial Legislature that the sign stating that "We are not Clicks" is removed immediately, that the matter is investigated and those responsible are disciplined and retrained in ethics and patients’ rights. It is unfair and outrageous that a state patient who depends on Warfarin … [Read more...] about ‘We are not Clicks’
Questionable Medical Ethics
Dear MyPE The Eastern Cape Health Department unexpectedly reneged on their commitment to provide a year's supply of enzymes to Arlene Scheepers (5) who is suffering from the fatal Gaucher's Disease. Arlene's family lives in the Vastrap informal settlement in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth and cannot afford the life-saving enzymes. After requests by the DA, the Eastern Cape Health Department agreed to supply the medicine at a cost of R48 000. On 25 June 2015 Dr Qangule, the CEO of … [Read more...] about Questionable Medical Ethics
