HOSPITAL STANDS FIRM ON SACKED VON MOLLENDORFF - Dianne Smith
Saturday Star 15 JUNE 2002
A Mpumalanga Health Department spokesperson has dismissed the idea of reinstating Dr Thys Von Mollendorff despite the fact that the department is meeting striking Nelspruit specialist doctors next week in a bid "to strengthen relationships".
Department spokesperson Dumisani Mlangeni, said yesterday that the sole reason for the meeting was to improve communication with the specialist doctors. He said there was no planned discussion to reinstate Von Mollendorff.
"He was found guilty and fired. That's it. We took a decision and cannot entertain thoughts of taking him back, although there the final decision rests with the Bargaining council."
Forum spokesperson Dr. Mark Wickham, who represents 47 striking specialists, said they would not resume their services unless Von Mollendorff was reinstated and that this issue would be at the top of the agenda when they met the health department.
Wickham said three specialists had resigned earlier this week and more were prepared to follow suit in sympathy with Von Mollendorff. He said this had had a major effect on services - a claim the health department had denied.
Von Mollendorff was found guilty of misconduct in February and then dismissed. His legal team has declared a dispute with the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council. Failing success there, the matter will proceed to the Labour Court.
The specialists forum has vowed to continue its protest until the former superintendent is reinstated.
"Our action is to expressly protest against government intervention in the medical decision-making of an individual medical practitioner whose professional obligations are dictated by patient outcome and not service to a political motive," Wickham stated in a letter to the MEC.
"We regret the dilution of specialist medical intervention at the Rob Ferreira Hospital which will undoubtedly arise from suspension of our sessions there. Not only will patient care be compromised, but the working conditions of resident medical officers will be severely impaired in terms of specialist assistance and learning opportunities."
