A report from the hospital was also imminent, department spokesperson Agiza Hlongwane added.
Shortage of staff
Simelane-Zulu said the patients filmed were awaiting their Covid-19 results, also known as Patients Under Investigation (PUIs). On the day in question, the hospital had received a particularly high number of patients, she said. Additionally, 11 doctors were away in isolation, after testing positive. A further 17 nursing staff were off, due to Covid-19. Six nurses were in charge of the Accidents and Emergency Unit, as well as a 28-bed short stay ward with very sick patients.
Simelane-Zulu said the delegation from the department has since assisted the hospital to ensure that patient flow is managed properly.
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