Health and Wellness

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is committed to ensuring that all individuals who come through our doors are treated with the utmost dignity, respect, and care.

Karl Bremer Hospital proactively undertook and concluded a comprehensive investigation into the matter, which included reviewing medical records, interviewing staff, and analysing security footage. They also collaborated with the contracted security service provider, who has initiated their own internal investigation and took proactive disciplinary steps.

The findings of the investigation revealed that the individual in question had been medically assessed and discharged from the hospital. However, after leaving the facility, the patient then made their way back into the Emergency Centre (EC) wearing a stolen hospital gown. The patient’s return to the EC created a challenging and difficult situation for staff to manage, which ultimately escalated into the interaction captured in the video. While the behaviour of the individual presented difficulties, the lapse in judgement and human error by the contracted security provider in handling the situation remains unacceptable.

This action is not reflective of the values or standards of Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and Karl Bremer Hospital, and the following measures are being implemented:

• ⁠Refresher and additional training: All security personnel will undergo both refresher and additional training to enhance their skills in conflict de-escalation, patient management, and adherence to hospital protocols. This will help ensure challenging situations are managed appropriately and compassionately.
• ⁠Monitoring and evaluation: The performance of security personnel will continue to be regularly assessed to ensure compliance with these standards, with ongoing training as needed.
• ⁠Resource awareness: Security and staff will be made aware of resources such as porters and wheelchairs to assist in safely managing situations involving patients.
• ⁠Policy updates: Recommendations have been made to develop and standardise policies for how outsourced security officials should conduct themselves in healthcare environments.

Two security personnel have been suspended by the service provider pending disciplinary hearings. WCDHW and Karl Bremer Hospital remains committed to providing a safe and compassionate environment for all. While we cannot share further details to respect confidentiality, we can assure everyone that this matter was taken very seriously, and we are working diligently to uphold the trust and well-being of those in our care.