Tonga Hospital Nurses Face Disciplinary Hearing

The Mpumalanga Department of Health is set to launch disciplinary proceedings against three nurses at Tonga Hospital following allegations of patient mistreatment.

According to departmental spokesperson Dumisani Malamule, the incident took place on 13 March 2025 when a female patient, admitted for complications linked to diabetes and hypertension, claimed she was mishandled after requesting a bedpan.

The patient reportedly experienced discomfort caused by Lactulose, a medication prescribed for constipation and called for assistance. As the nurses left to fetch the bedpan, she attempted to crawl to the toilet unaided. When they returned, the patient had already defecated on the floor.

It is during this time that the alleged mistreatment occurred. Malamule said that one of the nurses involved claimed she had to call on porters to assist due to the patient’s size. However, the patient later reported that one of the nurses used “harsh words” and grabbed her by the neck while helping her back into bed.

“She indicated that the nurse did not beat her but mishandled her,” Malamule stated. “The professional nurse has admitted to holding the patient by the back of the neck during the incident.”

The claim was partially corroborated by another patient in the ward, who confirmed hearing a verbal altercation between the staff and the complainant.

The patient’s family has since been informed, and the hospital has assured them that an internal investigation is underway to determine the facts of the case.

In response to the allegations, the three nurses on duty have been asked to submit formal statements and provide full accounts of their actions on the day of the incident.

The Department of Health has confirmed that the nurses will face a formal disciplinary hearing. It further stated that professional conduct and patient care remain top priorities and that any acts of misconduct will be dealt with decisively.