​Four health care workers who were involved in the alleged ill-treatment of Patient Marais at Mamelodi Hospital are on special leave pending their suspension and thorough investigation.

This was announced by Gauteng Health MEC, Dr Bandile Masuku upon receiving preliminary report on the matter.

The MEC received the report on Saturday and it identified a few challenges regarding how the patient was handled, as well as capacity issues relating to management and infrastructure. 

In line with the prescripts of the law, the four health workers involved in the incident have been served with letters asking for representations on why they should not be suspended. In the meantime, they have been asked not to report for duty. 

Redress measures have been instituted, including among others, counselling services for the Marais family. 

"We are also going to expedite the project to expand the casualty ward working with the Department of Infrastructure Development. The appointment of more medical staff especially for the casualty section and the filling of the Chief Executive Officer position will also receive priority from the Department," said the MEC, Dr Masuku. 

"Improving patient experience in our health facilities is quite an important priority for the Department in the next five years. And in some instances, we are compelled to institute consequence management to ensure that we achieve the necessary improvements," said MEC, Dr Masuku.

This then brings closure to the matter. What follows from now are normal internal human resource processes and the MEC's office will make the necessary follow-ups with the relevant District officials.