Johannesburg – Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has probed the complaints of a disgruntled patient at Helen Joseph Hospital and announced that she was satisfied that adequate clinical care was discharged to manage his condition.
The MEC’s impromptu visit to the hospital on Sunday, (8 September 2024), follows a viral video on social media in which former broadcaster Tom London complains about the treatment he received while admitted to Helen Joseph Hospital.
He claimed he had been ignored by staff and had not seen a doctor in 48 hours.
On Sunday evening Health and Wellness MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko met with management at Helen Joseph Hospital and senior officials from the department.
The MEC was appraised about the care provided to 51-year-old Thomas Holmes aka Tom London following his complaint on social media.
The department said in a statement on Monday that Tom London was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, (25 August 2024), presenting with difficulty in breathing.
“He was in the facility for 14 days, where he was cared for, subjected to various tests, and stabilised,” the statement said.
“On Saturday, 7 September, he signed a refusal of treatment form and discharged himself from hospital.
“Having received a briefing from the clinicians on the treatment given to Tom London, the department is satisfied that adequate clinical care was discharged to manage his condition.”
In addition, the department said it was willing to allow an independent process to review the quality of clinical care provided to Tome London at Helen Joseph Hospital.
“There are known infrastructure issues that are being attended to as part of the maintenance and refurbishment programme, the department said.
“However, these have not had a material effect on the treatment given to patients admitted at the hospital.”
