What should doctors and healthcare staff do when industrial action jeopardises the lives and health of patients?

Abstract

During the recent strikes by healthcare personnel in North West Province, South Africa, patients were prevented from accessing emergency medical care and doctors and nurses were ejected from hospitals. Such conduct violates the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and is unlawful, as health services are ‘essential services’ in terms of the Labour Relations Act No. 66 of 1995. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel who are prevented from assisting patients by striking colleagues should take active steps to secure access to healthcare services for patients requiring emergency medical care.