Latest news with #SelloLehari
News24
25-06-2025
- Health
- News24
North West health department probes patient death at psychiatric hospital
An investigation into a patient death at a North West psychiatric hospital has been launched. Recently, it was alleged that the same facility had a lack of adequate food and toiletries, and frequent power outages. The probe is expected to be completed by the end of August. The North West health department is investigating the death of a patient at a psychiatric hospital in Potchefstroom earlier this month. The patient reportedly died at the Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in the North West on 12 June, prompting Health MEC Sello Lehari to visit the hospital over the weekend. The incident was initially brought to his attention after social media posts reported that a long-term patient had died at the hospital. Witrand provides care for intellectual disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and people requiring physical medicine and rehabilitation services. Recently, it was alleged that there was a lack of adequate food and toiletries at the facility, and that it had frequent power outages. There were also allegations that equipment in the laundry, including boilers, were out of order. On Tuesday, Lehari said a nine-member investigation team had been appointed to probe the allegations. 'The investigation team, led by seasoned clinician, Professor John Tumbo, comprises experienced managers from diverse disciplines and areas of expertise to ensure a thorough and objective inquiry,' said Lehari. He added that the scope of the investigation had been expanded to include a separate incident involving a patient who allegedly absconded from Mahikeng Provincial Hospital. This after the SABC reported that a 22-year-old mentally ill man escaped from the psychiatric ward. His parents reportedly said the hospital failed to inform them about the incident. Lehari said: 'We are deeply concerned about these incidents and are determined to get to the bottom of what transpired. We owe it to the families, the patients, and the broader community to ensure that the matter is thoroughly probed.' The investigation team is expected to present the report and its findings to the MEC by 1 August.
Mail & Guardian
25-06-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine cements future with North West Department of Health partnership
The MEC for Health in the North West, Sello Lehari. The future of the North-West University's (NWU) Desmond Tutu School of Medicine was further consolidated on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the NWU and the North West Department of Health (NWDOH) on the university's Potchefstroom Campus. 'It is a privilege to be able to celebrate another milestone in the establishment of our medical school,' said Prof Awie Kotzé, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. 'This strategic partnership with the NWDOH will ensure that our medical students have access to the province's medical and infrastructural resources while serving the healthcare needs of the region. It has been a long journey to reach this point, and this collaboration promises a long and successful future for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.' Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, officially opened the proceedings by stating: 'Let it be recorded in the institutional memory of all our entities that, on this day, we chose collaboration over isolation, foresight over short-sightedness, and service over self. We affirm our mutual dependence and shared destiny.' Prof Beth Engelbrecht, Governance Lead of the medical school, noted that this date would be remembered as a significant moment in the school's history. 'Today is a momentous occasion. Thirty years ago, on 24 June 1995, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup for the first time, and today we are once again making history with the signing of this MOA. Right now, there are Grade 10 learners who will be able to apply for enrolment at the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine in 2028. Isn't that just so exciting?' The Department of Health's Deputy Director-General, Polaki Mokatsan, expressed his gratitude to the key stakeholders who made the occasion possible, saying that the signing of the MOA symbolises a deepening of trust between all parties involved. 'The signing of this MOA will propel the NWDOH and the province forward, and I am thrilled by the opportunities that this partnership will bring,' he said. The medical school's project lead, Prof Bino Luke, echoed the sentiments of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, remarking that 'healing is not just about science; it is also about the human touch', and that 'we must never lose sight of our deep connection to others'. The MEC for Health in the North West, Sello Lehari, stated that the signing of the MOA marks the formalisation of a shared vision, emphasising the compelling need for a medical school in the province. He described the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine as 'a game-changer'. 'The medical school will translate research into real-world solutions. It will bring hope, dignity and the right to quality healthcare to the province.' NWU Council Chairperson, Bert Sorgdrager, also reflected on a historic moment, saying: 'Today, the university and the province crossed an administrative Rubicon. There is no turning back now. Congratulations!' • Follow the link to the article here:
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Team appointed to probe death at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital
The death of the patient was circulated on social media. A nine-member investigation team has been appointed to probe the alleged death of a long-term patient at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in the North West province. North West MEC for Health Sello Lehari appointed the team on Tuesday, which will also investigate a separate incident involving a patient who allegedly absconded from Mahikeng Provincial Hospital. Probe North West Health Department spokesperson Tshegofatso Mothibedi said the investigation team, led by seasoned clinician Professor John Tumbo, comprises experienced managers from diverse disciplines and areas of expertise to ensure a thorough and objective inquiry. ALSO READ: Fire claims patient in female psych unit at Dr George Mukhari Hospital 'While acknowledging that the incident at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital is also under police investigation, MEC Lehari urged the public and affected parties to allow both the internal and police inquiries to unfold without interference.' Transparency Lehari emphasised the department's commitment to accountability and transparency. 'We acted swiftly when we picked up reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged death of a long-term patient at the hospital. I visited the hospital on Saturday to receive a preliminary report. As I promised, today I am here to officially announce the team that will conduct the investigation into this matter. This team will also look into the case of a patient who allegedly absconded from Mahikeng Provincial Hospital. 'We are deeply concerned about these incidents and are determined to get to the bottom of what transpired. We owe it to the families, the patients, and the broader community to ensure that the matter is thoroughly probed,' Lehari said. Findings Lehari added that the terms of reference for the investigation have been finalised and handed over to the team, which is expected to commence its work immediately. The investigation team is expected to present the report and its findings to the MEC by 1 August 2025. Concerns Concerns over Witrand Hospital's conditions are not new. Workers at the hospital allege that the lack of adequate food, toiletries, and regular power outages has contributed to patient illnesses and deaths. According to the workers, equipment in the laundry facility, including boilers, is out of order, forcing patients to bathe in cold water and contend with dirty clothes and linen. ALSO READ: Alarm raised over 'R1.7bn fire safety gap' at Charlotte Maxeke hospital
