Staff at Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha are under investigation after a leaked letter warned patients of severe doctor shortages, raising concerns about disciplinary action and healthcare delivery in the Eastern Cape.
Hospital Warns Patients of Doctor Shortages
The letter, reportedly from the hospital’s surgical department, advised patients not to expect doctors to be available at outpatient clinics. The Eastern Cape Health Department confirmed the staffing crisis but condemned the unauthorized communication, stating that only the health minister has the authority to close hospital services.
Health Department Acknowledges Staffing Crisis
Siyanda Manana, the department’s communications director, admitted that Livingstone Hospital alone faces a shortage of 67 doctors, with other facilities like Dora Nginza and Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital also affected. He cited budget constraints, medical legal claims, and patient overcrowding as key challenges.
“We’ve appointed six medical officers and 20 registrars, but the demand is overwhelming,” Manana said, acknowledging that the hospital’s ICU, casualty, and radiology units have lost 30% of their doctors.
Disciplinary Action Looms Over Unauthorized Letter
The department has launched an investigation to determine who circulated the letter, calling it a breach of protocol. Manana emphasized that while staff shortages are real, employees must use official channels to address concerns rather than unilaterally informing patients.
“Turning patients away makes the department liable for legal claims,” he warned, referencing a similar incident at Adelaide Tambo Hospital earlier this year, where the CEO was suspended over a disputed notice.
Calls for Transparency and Solutions
Critics argue the recurring issue highlights systemic communication failures. Manana urged affected patients to come forward, promising a swift probe but not specifying a timeline.
Meanwhile, healthcare workers fear worsening conditions as the province struggles with doctor retention and rising patient numbers.
“We can’t deny the crisis,” Manana said. “But shutting down services isn’t the solution.”
The department faces mounting pressure to resolve staffing gaps while maintaining accountability—a balancing act that could define Eastern Cape’s healthcare future.