UNFIT AND UNSAFE: HEALTH OMBUD EXPOSES SHOCKING GEORGE MUKHARI HOSPITAL FAILURES AFTER PATIENT’S DEATH!

Health Ombudsman Taole Mokoena has condemned the psychiatric unit at George Mukhari Academic Hospital as “unfit for purpose,” calling for urgent redesign and refurbishment to meet basic safety and legal standards.

The damning findings follow an investigation into the death of 35-year-old mental health care user Lerato Mohlamme, who died after a fire broke out in the hospital’s psychiatric ward in June 2024.

Mohlamme, from Mmakau, Madibeng, North West, was among patients housed in conditions now described as deeply unsafe and poorly managed.

According to Mokoena, the probe uncovered widespread clinical and safety failures, including non-compliance with legal procedures, excessive use of mechanical restraints, and the withholding of medication and food as punishment.

“The hospital must procure certified fireproof mattresses and redesign the psychiatric unit to comply with all legal, safety, and rehabilitation requirements,” Mokoena recommended.

His findings also touched on a separate but similar complaint involving Netcare Femina Hospital.

The report further revealed that Mohlamme’s allegations of sexual assault were not properly assessed or reported to authorities, an omission described as both a clinical and legal failure.

Her admission process was also found to be unlawful, as it did not meet the requirement for independent assessments by two medical practitioners.

Additional findings paint a troubling picture of patient mistreatment.

Mechanical restraints were reportedly overused, while prescribed medication was deliberately withheld as punishment, despite records falsely indicating it had been administered.

In some instances, patients were also denied food during periods of seclusion.

Serious fire safety lapses were also identified, as it is alleged concerns raised by another patient were ignored, and Mohlamme was not properly searched before being placed in seclusion.

Investigators believe she had a cigarette lighter, which was likely used to start the fatal fire.

Mokoena said the case highlights deeper systemic failures, including weak governance, poor oversight, and a lack of staff understanding of the Mental Health Care Act, raising urgent concerns about patient safety in psychiatric facilities.