Chuene clinic reopening indefinitely postponed over safety concerns

PSYCHOLOGICAL toll on staff and safety concerns have forced Limpopo health authorities to postpone indefinitely the reopening of Chuene clinic where two nurses were attacked and raped a week ago.

 According to a statement released on Wednesday, the decision was taken after a thorough reassessment of the impact the devastating incident had on the nursing staff.

“After careful consideration of the emotional and psychological toll these traumatic events have had on the staff, as well as taking heed of their legitimate safety concerns, the department believes it is in the best interest of both healthcare workers and community to temporarily halt the clinic’s operations,” the statement read.

The decision to postpone the reopening of the clinic comes after the staff and community members raised safety and security concerns at the facility.

The attack at the clinic also raised safety concerns at other health facilities across the province.

The authorities have assured that they will work closely with law enforcement and community leaders to ensure adequate protection of the staff before the clinic is reopened.