A JUNIOR doctor at the False Bay Hospital’s psychiatric unit could land herself in hot water following a complaint of alleged “exceptionally abusive, abrasive, arrogant, appalling, vile, vicious, completely irresponsible and unlawful conduct”.
This after British citizen Dr Ching Wai Phil Chan detailed his ordeal during a 72-hour stay for observation at the hospital, where he claims to have been treated very poorly by a junior doctor. Chan said several patients at the facility also complained about the doctor.
In his complaint, Chan said he was voluntarily admitted to False Bay Hospital on January 19 and was placed in a psychiatric ward for 72-hour observation due to a domestic dispute with his partner and acute stress, among others.
He was discharged on January 22.
“As a 42-year-old leading human rights scholar with 3 books (2 of which carry Forewords by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu) who has travelled, worked and lived in roughly 50 countries across 5 continents, I had never once encountered a doctor who was remotely as disgraceful, disgusting and despicable. Knowing I hold a Ph.D. in Law (2013) from the National University of Singapore, (she) persistently deliberately demeaned and debased me.
“When (another doctor) informed me at around 8.30am - 9am on 22 January 2025 that she was discharging me on the same date and that (the junior doctor in question) would arrange discharge papers shortly, I noticed (her) playing with her fingers for extended periods of time (and not seeing any other patient), disappeared for a 3-hour lunch from around 11am and at the end did not return to her office, and I was finally given discharge papers only by a nurse after 2pm,” the complaint read.
He claims the doctor also informed his partner about blood test results allegedly without his consent as they are not married, thereby, “directly breaching my right to medical confidentiality in contravention with section 14 of the National Health Act 61 of 2003 and my right to privacy in contravention with section 14(d) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996”.
In another complaint, this time against the hospital manager, he decried the conditions of the facility.
“During my 72-hour hospitalisation, I repeatedly heard and was told (without solicitation by me) by a number of in-patients that they were repeatedly denied access to shower and/or toilet facilities, including a 17-year-old male in-patient who was constantly crying about the fact that he had to urinate and defecate on the floor in a locked cage in solitary confinement.
“As documented by the attached photographs which I personally took as a visitor to the in-patients at False Bay Hospital, around 8 male in-patients were constantly locked in a shared cage (although not during that particular hour as it was designated as visitors' hour) where each of them was sleeping on a mattress on the floor and had to ask for permission from security officers each time when any of them needed to consume water or to use toilet facilities.”
He also lodged a complaint with the Head of Department, Dr Keith Cloete.
Health department spokesperson, Monique Johnstone said they had received the complaint and were investigating the matter.
“We take all concerns regarding patient care very seriously, particularly those relating to mental health services. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness agrees that all patients accessing care, especially mental health care, should be treated with dignity and respect.
“Management of False Bay Hospital can confirm that the hospital has received a formal complaint from this patient, which is currently under investigation. The case will also be reviewed with the Mental Health Review Board as part of our processes to ensure a thorough and fair examination.
“The patient was admitted on 19 January 2025 under the Mental Healthcare Act, stabilised by our healthcare team, and discharged on 21 January 2025. His discharge plan was discussed with him and his partner to ensure clarity and continuity of care. We acknowledge the patient’s concerns and are actively addressing them through our formal complaints process.
“We remain committed to providing safe, respectful, and dignified care to all patients.”
The HPCSA said they would respond in due course.
Cape Times