Primarily we write to draw your attention and seek redress in dealing with the Daily Dispatch report on Monday the 01 of September 2008.

Background

The Department of Health respects press freedom and do not in any way wish to infringe on the right of the press to report freely without fear or favour.

What prompted this correspondence is the realization of what we thought was journalistic work in good faith actually turned up to be a total distortion of facts. 

When the Daily Dispatch Journalist, Ms Ntando Makhubu called me ( Spokesperson, Sizwe  Kupelo,)  a number of issues about the hospitals were discussed ranging from challenges being faced by the institution as well as achievements spearheaded by the acting hospital CEO. 

The second day Ms Makhubu asked specifically about laundry services as well as alleged shortage of essential medical equipment. The response was given telephonically as the spokesperson was on the road, after getting facts from the hospital authorities the following facts were presented to the journalist

• The hospital is not experiencing laundry problems at all (  the  pictures published in the dispatch were taken from the receiving point of the laundry ) and the  suggestion is therefore extremely wrong.
• It was explained to the journalist that laundry services at the hospital were so efficient such that municipal clinics around Mthatha are also being serviced there. Even when East London hospitals were experiencing problems Mthatha hospital came to the rescue.
• There is absolutely no shortage of basic stuff like gloves linen swabs etc,

The reason for patients sleeping over is not due to  long queues, but transport challenges that are unique to the rural areas we serve. There is a standing agreement between the hospital and Wellington prison to take over laundry service when ever there is a challenge .

All these facts were communicated to the journalist. 

In the light of the above we wish to express our displeasure as the department at what seems quite clearly   selective, sensational and malicious reporting. We do not in any way have an axe to grind with the journalist, she is assured of our continued co-operation in her normal duties as a journalist.

I would also like to invite a Daily Dispatch crew to the hospital, an arrangement will be made for them to verify these facts. This team will also be allowed to even take pictures at the laundry.

We also demand an apology from the Daily Dispatch regarding this inaccurate report.

Regards

Sizwe Kupelo, Departmental Spokesperson.

083 378 0196