logo
CoJ reviewing processes with Milpark Hospital to ensure no injured JMPD officer refused treatment again

CoJ reviewing processes with Milpark Hospital to ensure no injured JMPD officer refused treatment again

Eyewitness News02-05-2025

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Johannesburg is currently engaging the Netcare Milpark Hospital to resolve matters related to outstanding medical bills.
This comes after a Johannesburg metro police officer who was shot while on duty was refused treatment at the medical facility.
The metro has criticised the hospital's actions, saying it shouldn't have turned away the critically injured officer.
On Thursday, the chairperson of public safety committee, Sarah Wissler, slammed the city on her X account about the alleged R35 million debt it had with Netcare.
She noted that this debt put the officers' life at risk.
The City of Johannesburg said it was reviewing its processes with the hospital to ensure the incident was never repeated.
However, the metro's spokesperson, Nthatisi Modingoane, has refuted claims that they owe the hospital R35 million.
"The city is dismayed that Milpark Hospital refused to provide necessary medical care to the officer, citing an outstanding debt of R35 million owed by the city. The city wishes to refute the claim and clarify what really is the status. The current outstanding bill for Milpark Hospital stands at R3.9 million, with payments being processed and paid weekly."
Modingoane also mentioned that once investigations were complete, they would release their findings.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Gowns, chairs and school shoes donated by health groups bring comfort to little ones
Gowns, chairs and school shoes donated by health groups bring comfort to little ones

TimesLIVE

time14-06-2025

  • TimesLIVE

Gowns, chairs and school shoes donated by health groups bring comfort to little ones

Bringing comfort closer for patients, two healthcare companies have joined forces in support of Bertha Gxowa Hospital, a Gauteng provincial facility. Custom-made chairs were supplied by Universal Care to help meet the need for comfortable seating in specific waiting areas around the Germiston hospital while 1,755 pairs of hospital pyjamas, nightdresses and gowns for patients ranging from the ages of one to 12 years were provided by Performance Health. 'Our ongoing relationship with state healthcare facilities such as Bertha Gxowa Hospital enables us to respond swiftly to critical needs, from antimicrobial and sporicidal curtains to these essential comfort items,' said Dr Nono Ledwaba-Mweli, medical director of Universal Care. 'This collaboration is vital not only for immediate improvements but also for building a sustainable healthcare system where patient dignity and comfort are prioritised alongside clinical care.' Dr Mandisa Maholwana, MD at Performance Health, said: 'Patient comfort plays a crucial role in recovery and morale. We remain committed to supporting healthcare facilities wherever possible.' On Friday, 700 pairs of shoes were handed over to children at a rural school in Magaliesburg. The event was to acknowledge the milestone of 300,000 pairs of school shoes donated by the 'My Walk Made With Soul' NPO since its inception in 2020 as an upcycling collaboration between Netcare and Adcock Ingram Critical Care. The shoes are made from recycled materials from Adcock Ingram's Critical Care manufacturing facility, which produces drip bags and tubing from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and offcuts from participating Netcare hospitals in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

Young doctors and dentists offered free medical aid cover for a year
Young doctors and dentists offered free medical aid cover for a year

TimesLIVE

time04-06-2025

  • TimesLIVE

Young doctors and dentists offered free medical aid cover for a year

Young doctors and dentists making the tough transition from study to practice are eligible for 12 months of free medical aid cover from Profmed. The medical scheme said eligible candidates must be under the age of 30, must have completed community service in the past two years and are either unemployed or have found work within the previous six months. The initiative is linked to finDR, a digital platform launched by Profmed to connect newly qualified medical professionals with job placements across the country as locums and in permanent positions. More than 800 qualified doctors are on the platform. 'This isn't only about benefits,' said Profmed CEO Craig Comrie. 'It's about ensuring young professionals don't fall through the cracks. 'We've heard from far too many doctors who, after years of study and community service, are left without work, income or the ability to access private health care. That's unacceptable.' This comes amid concerns about the pressure young doctors work under, prompting a call for healthcare professionals to recognise the risk of burnout and depression by Dr Bavi Vythilingum, a psychiatrist practising at a Netcare Akeso clinic in Kenilworth, Cape Town. 'It is deeply concerning that at least 50% to 60% of healthcare professionals will experience depression at some point during their working lives. Junior doctors are particularly vulnerable, and their risk for depression and burnout seems to be increasing. 'One of the factors that contributes to burnout is work overload as doctors are expected to do more and more within the same amount of time. 'Beyond patient consultations, they face a growing mountain of paperwork, from medical aid forms and insurance requirements to documentation and providing clinical feedback on patients with complex medical needs.' Vythilingum said doctors are expected to never fall ill physically and with their mental health. 'We are expected to keep going, no matter what. This means many doctors don't seek mental health care when they need it, often because they are afraid this reflects negatively on their competence or ability to practice. 'Tragically, doctors often wait until they can't cope before seeking mental healthcare, and by then it becomes more difficult for us to help, where earlier intervention could have prevented such a serious decline that it may affect all areas of their lives. 'Like their patients, doctors must feel empowered to seek help early, whether through confidential counselling, peer support groups or mental health resources tailored to healthcare professionals.' Netcare invited South Africans to join an international awareness movement aimed at increasing support for mental health for medical professionals. 'Everyone is encouraged to wear colourful, mismatched or otherwise attention-grabbing socks to mark Crazy Socks 4 Docs on the first Friday in June every year,' the hospital group said.

R35,000 in 30 Minutes: The world rallies to help little Zoë hear for the first time
R35,000 in 30 Minutes: The world rallies to help little Zoë hear for the first time

IOL News

time04-06-2025

  • IOL News

R35,000 in 30 Minutes: The world rallies to help little Zoë hear for the first time

Tracy Olivari and her beautiful daughter Zoë Image: Supplied Just days after her heartfelt plea appeared in the Weekend Argus, Tracy Olivari from Goodwood received the kind of news that changes lives forever. In a bid to raise R35,000 for her daughter Zoë's hearing assessment and treatment — a crucial step before the young girl starts Grade 1 — Tracy never imagined how quickly help would come. Thanks to international support, including a powerful boost from American YouTuber Colonel Chris Wyatt, the full amount was raised in just 30 minutes. 'I'm still trying to wrap my head around it,' Tracy shared. 'I thought I'd be waiting months — I didn't expect this to happen in three days, let alone in under an hour. I'm completely overwhelmed.' Four-year-old Zoë's story of being born prematurely at just seven months, and was given only hours to live, touched many people, including Wyatt, a retired US Army colonel known for spotlighting South African stories. Wyatt, shared Zoë's story with his audience, who responded almost instantly — giving Zoë not only a chance to hear for the first time, but the opportunity to start school on equal footing with her peers. Tracy with a brave little Zoë Image: Supplied An appointment has already been booked with an audiologist for 17 June, just ahead of the new school term. It marks the beginning of a long-awaited journey for Zoë, who has never been able to hear since birth and in turn affected her speech. 'At least now, I can take her for proper assessments. That's something I couldn't do before,' Tracy said. 'It's going to be life-changing for her — and for us as a family.' The generosity didn't stop with donations. Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services also jumped into action to help make one of Zoë's dreams come true. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town's Fire and Rescue Services, immediately reached out to the Weekend Argus after reading Zoë's story. He offered her a personal tour of the Goodwood Fire Station — her favourite place. 'Most of us in the Fire Service are parents, and we all know the daily struggles and joys our kids bring to our lives,' said Carelse. 'Sometimes, the little moments — like bringing your child to a fire station — become the big ones. And who doesn't want to be a firefighter? We will make Zoë's day extremely special. We also want to show appreciation to Tracy, who is a single parent, and still giving 200% to make memories each day.' Tracy said she wants to stay transparent and keep supporters updated, and has launched a YouTube channel where she will document Zoë's journey — from diagnosis to treatment, and hopefully to the moment she hears for the first time. 'I want people to see where the money is going. I want them to feel a part of this journey. It's their kindness that made it possible.' Tracy recalled the exact moment everything changed. 'I had just left the office, and the campaign had only hit R1,100. My faith was low. I told myself I wouldn't keep checking because I'd just stress myself out. Then I got a call from my mum. She said, 'Tracy, we made it. Go and look.' When I saw that we'd gone over the target, I just cried. I was laughing, crying, silent — everything at once.' Even Zoë's older sister, just eight years old, was moved to tears. 'She said she's so excited to finally hear her sister's voice. We just held each other and cried.' Zoe Olivari Image: Supplied For Tracy, the journey is about more than just hearing aids or doctor's appointments. It's about the everyday moments most take for granted. 'She doesn't know what a bird sounds like. She's never heard my voice. I can't call out to her when she runs off — I just have to follow. I can't wait to hear her say: 'I love you, Mommy'. To hear it — not just feel it — that will be everything '2025 — who would've thought this would be the year everything turned around? It's a reminder that God really does come through. And that there are still incredibly good people in the world.' 'To every single person who donated — from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You've done more than help my daughter hear. You've shown us love, hope, and humanity. 'Thank you for the prayers especially- there is really power in prayer =. To the Fire department, thank you for reaching out, I know Zoë is going to love experiencing the big fire trucks, she's always been fascinated with it. 'And to the Weekend Argus — thank you for helping us tell our story…Thank you for being the one publication who got back to me. You helped change our lives.' [email protected] Weekend Argus

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store