A struggle veteran says security guards at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) “manhandled” him when he tried to leave the facility after hours of waiting for help.
Frank Smith, 61, from Lansdowne who is a chronic heart patient says he had the worst experience at GSH on Saturday, 16 February.
Frank was the owner of Club Royale for 25 years and, during apartheid, led the protests which resulted in the first bus being burnt in Kensington on 16 June 1976.
He says he was referred to GSH after suffering pain, nausea and dizzy spells relating to his heart.
“I asked the doctor how long would we still be sitting there and he said, ‘with one doctor on duty, what do you expect?’
SCENE: Groote Schuur Hospital’s securities ‘ill-treated’ a heart patient. Photo: JACK LESTRADE
“I asked a second doctor and he said I could be there for 18 hours. I decided I’d rather go home to die than in a plastic chair without my family,” Frank says.
But as he tried to leave he was blocked by guards.
“I placed my folder on the counter. They then wanted me to sign an indemnity form. I refused.
“One guy then grabbed me by my arm and at the back of my shirt and said: ‘You are going to cost me R700 if you leave and don’t sign this form’.
“They then locked the gates.”
He eventually left through another door, after threatening another guard with the police.
Provincial Health spokesperson, Marika Champion, says they are aware of the incident.
“Waiting time at the emergency centre depends on the severity of conditions of the other patients in the emergency unit.
“Should patients not wish to wait to see the referring doctor, an indemnity form must be signed because the patient has chosen to leave while initially having presented for care,” Champion said.