{
  "id": 10491438,
  "title": "Hermanus hospital under fire 'after admin takes long break'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/hermanus-hospital-under-fire-after-admin-takes-long-break",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T17:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/capeargus/news/2026-09-28-hermanus-hospital-under-fire-after-admin-takes-long-break/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hermanus Provincial Hospital has faced criticism after a resident alleged that there is only one administration clerk on duty during the night shift, leading to long wait times for patients. Concerns were raised by Marius Combrink, a local activist, who took his pregnant family member to the hospital on Monday, 21 September, 2026. Combrink stated that upon arrival around 4am, he witnessed a long queue of five people waiting without assistance from the clerk. He noted that some patients had been waiting for hours when the clerk took an \"extended break\" and left a sign indicating his return at 3.25am. However, by the time Combrink saw the clerk at 4.25am, no one was available to help with patient files.\n\nSecurity personnel were contacted, but they were unable to provide information on the clerk's whereabouts. Combrink emphasized that the two to three hours the clerk spends on extended breaks during the night shift could be critical, potentially meaning life or death for patients. He revealed that he was aware of residents' longstanding concerns about poor service and staff shortages at the hospital. Combrink vowed to continue fighting for improved care until national government intervenes to address the issue.\n\nThe Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness acknowledged receiving the social media post and confirmed that hospital management has initiated an internal review to verify the authenticity of the complaint and investigate the circumstances surrounding the allegation. Department spokesperson Phiwe Phillips stated that appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the review. Phillips reiterated the department's commitment to providing respectful, patient-centered care and addressing concerns promptly.",
  "summary": "A Hermanus resident has raised concerns about alleged delays at the hospital’s emergency room during a night shift. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness says management has launched an internal review.",
  "key_points": [
    "Hermanus hospital faces criticism over single night shift admin clerk",
    "Marius Combrink reports 5-hour wait with no assistance to pregnant relative",
    "Hospital admin takes extended breaks, sparking calls for investigation"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}