This as Department Head, David Motau has placed three officials in management positions at the Free State Psychiatric Complex on a precautionary suspension, pending the outcome of an investigation into the matter. Department spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, says the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), as well as the Heads of Nursing and Supply Chain, have been accused by employees – mainly nurses – of compromising patient care by mismanaging resources and the hospital in general.

He says concerns include “things like the quality of food, the security of patients and nursing staff, the provision of decent clothing and then hygienic conditions. So we will be looking at the environment of patient care provision in that institution because those are the most vulnerable patients”.

Mvambi says the suspension is meant only to ensure the investigation is carried out without prejudice. The Department Head refused to confirm the names of the three officials, explaining that the investigation must be concluded first. Motsamai Motsoari is currently acting in the CEO position.

South Africa’s Mental Health Hospitals have come under public scrutiny in recent years, following the Life Healthcare Esidimeni scandal, in which more than 140 patients died allegedly due to neglect and starvation after they and over 1000 others were moved to unlicensed NGOs around Gauteng which were deemed to be ill-equipped. The Gauteng Health Department terminated an outsourced care contract with Life Esidimeni in 2015 in order to save money and also deinstitutionalise psychiatric patients. Sixteen people reportedly remain unaccounted for in the matter.

The Free State Psychiatric Complex has been facing its own share of challenges which based on the lack of personnel. In August 2018, it was reported the vacancy rates of nursing posts stood at 21% with more personnel in the process of being hired. It is unknown what the current vacancy rate is. There was also the issue of a lack of security at the complex, something which has again come up in the list of complaints about hospital management. The complex’s aging infrastructure is also prone to fires due to old installations.

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