Hermanus hospital under fire 'after admin takes long break' - IOL

A night-shift clerk is accused of having a tendency to take lengthy breaks.

Hermanus Provincial Hospital has come under fire after a resident raised concerns that only one administration clerk is on duty during the night shift, allegedly leaving patients waiting for hours when the clerk takes “extended breaks”.

Local activist Marius Combrink took to social media after he rushed a pregnant family member to the facility in the early hours of Monday, 21 September, 2026.

“We arrived at the emergency room at around 4am. When we got there, about five people were waiting," Combrink said.

“After not being helped by anyone for half an hour, I asked the other patients where the clerk was. They told us that some of them had been sitting there for hours.

“The clerk left and put up a sign saying he would be back at 3.25am. By 4.25am, no one was there to assist with patients’ files.”

He said he then approached security personnel.

“There were about six security guards. None of them was either able or willing to tell me where the clerk was,” the man added.

According to Combrink, residents have been raising concerns about poor service and staff shortages at the hospital for years.

“It blows my mind that during the night shift there is only one clerk available. Those two to three hours that the clerk takes for his extended breaks can mean life or death.

“I have heard horror stories about how people died at this hospital while waiting to be helped. I will keep on fighting this poor service until national government intervenes. Otherwise, our people will continue to die here.”

The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirmed it is aware of the social media post.

Department spokesperson Phiwe Phillips said hospital management had launched an internal review.

“Hospital management has initiated an internal review to verify the authenticity of the post and establish the circumstances surrounding the allegation," Phillips stated.

“Appropriate action will be taken based on the outcome of the review.”

She said the department remained committed to providing “respectful, patient-centred care” and addressing concerns promptly.