The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has committed to probe circumstances leading to an incident where a patient was allegedly dragged along the floor at Karl Bremer Hospital.

In a short cellphone recorded video that sparked fury after being shared on social media platforms, a patient is seen lying on the floor holding what appears to be medication.

A female security personnel taps the patient on the shoulder, later stating that they were being bothered.

The security personnel then grabs the patient by the arm, and drags them on the floor before the video ends.

Department of Health and Wellness spokesperson Megan Davids said Karl Bremer Hospital deeply regrets the filmed incident circulating on social media in which the patient was handled by one of the security guards at the facility.

“We are deeply concerned by this matter and are committed to upholding the dignity and respect of all our patients. The hospital will thoroughly investigate the incident and implement the necessary measures. This matter has also been raised with the contracted service provider who have also initiated their own internal processes. Karl Bremer Hospital remains dedicated to providing a safe and compassionate environment for healing and recovery,” said Davids.

Health MEC Mireille Wenger said the images of a patient being pulled across the floor by a service provider at Karl Bremer Hospital is distressing and not aligned to the person-centred care that the department strives for every day.

“I have full confidence that this incident will be investigated thoroughly by the Department to understand what transpired and to ensure that our patients receive, at all times, dignified care.”

Nehawu expressed concern about the incident and the dignity of the patient involved.

They also welcomed that the department said the matter will be investigated.

Cosatu’s Western Cape provincial secretary Malvern de Bruyn said they were disturbed by the video which depicted a patient being ill-treated.

“We are calling for authorities to get to the bottom of this and steps to be taken against anyone found guilty.

“Irrespective of what could have led the patient to be on the floor it cannot be that we see someone who does not look well being dragged across the floor like that.

“We can not allow this treatment and Cosatu will follow up on this matter,” he said.

Cape Times