A preliminary report into an incident at Mamelodi hospital showing a 76-year-old, Martha Marais being chained-up shows that the standard operating restraint procedures weren’t followed.
Four hospital officials including two doctors have been placed on special leave, after Marais was found shackled to a bench at the Hospital for eight hours.
The soft-spoken 76-year-old recounted her traumatic ordeal.
Marais said she felt humiliated, helpless and cold while lying under the bench and that her wrists are still hurting from the experience.
Following the viral video, calls have been growing for change at the hospital.
“There is suggestion that she was a bit confused and a bit violent but we have standard procedural things we have to do and these were not followed,” said Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku.
Two doctors, a nurse and a security guard have been placed on special leave, pending a full investigation.
While the family welcomes the initial report, they say heads must roll.
A more comprehensive report into Marais’ experience will be ready in a few weeks.
(edited by Johanna Molokomme)
