KZN Health Department condemns nurse's assault on patient

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has strongly condemned a nurse's assault on a patient at King Dinuzulu Hospital, as revealed by a viral video circulating on social media. According to the department, the nurse can be seen in the video shoving her finger in a patient's face during an altercation in the ward. Dr Imran Keeka, the DA spokesperson on Health, emphasized that while the department must adhere to its internal disciplinary process, the nurse must also face criminal charges if the allegations are confirmed.

He denounced the nurse's actions as a gross violation of professional standards and called for the South African Nursing Council to be informed. Keeka stressed that patients expect to receive care in a dignified, compassionate, and respectful manner, and such behavior must not be tolerated. The department has placed the nurse on temporary suspension while an internal investigation is conducted.

They unequivocally condemned the nurse's actions, stating that corporal punishment has no place in their facilities and assuring the public that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if the investigation confirms the allegations.