Ekurhuleni surgeon dismissed for leaving patient on operating table

29 January 2015 - 17:36 By Sapa
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File photo.
File photo.
Image: Gallo Images/Thinkstock

A senior surgeon at Pholosong Hospital in Ekurhuleni was dismissed for gross negligence and contravening theatre protocols, the Gauteng health department said on Thursday.

"The department received reports and statements suggesting that a surgeon who was based at Pholosong Hospital, Ekurhuleni, left a patient on the operating table," spokesman Prince Hamnca said in a statement.

"His colleagues had to, on more than one occasion, plead with him to go back and complete the procedure."

The surgeon was also alleged to have entered theatre without scrubbing --wearing his personal jeans and not washed, as per protocol -- violating theatre protocols.

Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu said the department had no choice but to dismiss the surgeon, given the seriousness of the allegations, staff statements, and the surgeon's reaction to his initial suspension.

"The department's decision is a clear and strong message to its entire professional staff for our intolerance to all forms of professional misconduct," said Mahlangu.

"It is also a reminder of their professional ethics and oath."

The matter would also be escalated to the Health Professions Council of SA.

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