The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has launched an internal investigation following allegations that two healthcare workers at the Hanover Park Community Health Centre were intoxicated while on duty.
A video circulating on social media appears to show a man and a woman who are allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the Hanover Park taxi rank on Tuesday, 15 September.
People heard in the video can be heard expressing concern about the pair's alleged condition and their connection to the local healthcare facility.
A Hanover Park resident, who requested anonymity, claimed that the two individuals were nurses employed at the Hanover Park Community Health Centre.
The resident alleged that community members had previously raised concerns about the workers and two other cleaners allegedly spending their lunch breaks at a nearby tavern.
The source said the allegations were particularly worrying because the two nurses allegedly worked in the injection room, where they could be responsible for administering injections and drawing blood.
The resident claimed the same two workers were allegedly seen at the tavern again on Friday, 18 September, several days after the video had circulated online.
The resident questioned why no action had apparently been taken, saying residents were already concerned about the level of service at the healthcare facility.
The allegations have raised concerns about patient safety, particularly if healthcare workers were to perform medical procedures while allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
Health Department launches internal review
Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness spokesperson Samantha Lee-Jacobs confirmed that the department was aware of the video.
Lee-Jacobs said the individuals shown in the footage were believed to be employees of the Hanover Park Community Health Centre.
The department has launched an internal review to establish whether the video is authentic, determine the circumstances surrounding the footage and assess the allegations contained in it.
The department said it regarded allegations of this nature as serious and would take appropriate action once the internal review had been completed.
At this stage, the allegations against the healthcare workers have not been confirmed, and the investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the video and whether any disciplinary action is warranted.
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