Patients caught on camera cleaning at Burgersfort Clinic

BURGERSFORT

The Limpopo Department of Health expressed concern over the viral video depicting patients cleaning the waiting area at Burgersfort Clinic. In the video, it is alleged that nurses at Burgersfort Clinic forced patients to clean the floor before receiving services. Those who refused to clean allegedly did not receive health care assistance.

Limpopo health spokesperson Neil Shikwambane said the department takes these allegations seriously and has instituted an internal investigation to establish the full facts surrounding the incident.

“Preliminary reports indicate that one of the consulting rooms was flooded. Unfortunately, neither of the two cleaners at the facility had reported for duty at the time, and the nursing staff therefore commenced cleaning in an effort to resume services without delay.
“In the course of these efforts, it is reported that some patients who had arrived to collect chronic medication voluntarily offered to assist so that services could continue without delay. During this process, a video was recorded and later circulated on social media.”
Shikwambane said the department wishes to emphasise that its policies do not permit voluntary work within healthcare facilities, whether by general members of the community or patients.
“Patient dignity, safety and infection prevention standards remain non-negotiable. We therefore call upon any patients who were present at the facility during the incident to come forward and assist the investigation so that the veracity of the claims can be fully established.” Shikwambane said the department remains committed to upholding professional standards.

It’s not the first time this clinic has been accused of poor treatment. In October 2022, a young woman was caught on video giving birth after allegedly being refused entry. A street vendor had to assist her while she screamed for help outside the clinic.