Twenty-one emergency medical services (EMS) staff members in the Gauteng province have faced disciplinary action due to alleged violations of approved shift schedules. Furthermore, issues concerning their professional conduct have been referred to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
The Gauteng Department of Health has leveled accusations against 21 EMS specialists regarding alleged dereliction of duty after failing to complete scheduled working hours. However, the department emphasized that EMS operations across the province continue without interruption, and none of the staff members are currently suspended from work.
Disciplinary proceedings commenced amid concerns that staff were not adhering to the terms of their employment contracts and approved shift schedules. A representative from the Gauteng Department of Health, Steve Mabona, stated that 'EMS is a vital service, and its staff are obligated to follow their contractual commitments and approved shift schedules.'
The department reported that contingency measures were implemented to ensure continuous response to emergencies. These measures included support from nearby EMS stations based on operational needs and outstanding calls. It was also noted that overtime hours, averaging of working time, and compressed work schedules were managed in accordance with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
Additional overtime hours were compensated through approved leave schedules, submitted applications for events, and late calls received from the Emergency Call Centre. The department clarified that employees who do not report for duty at the scheduled time fall under the 'no work, no pay' principle according to policy.
The department also refuted reports that staff had threatened them with dismissal. However, this matter was referred to the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) due to concerns that the conduct might violate the professional and ethical rules applicable to emergency care specialists, as stipulated by the Professional Council for Emergency Care.
Mabona stressed: 'GDoH takes employee discipline seriously and will not tolerate indiscipline or behavior that jeopardizes the provision of essential medical services.' The department is also reviewing its EMS working time policy in collaboration with institutions through the Gauteng Health Policy Development Unit to ensure clear and proper management of work schedules.
Mabona added that EMS staff have an ethical responsibility to place patients and communities at the center of their activities. He noted that 'EMS personnel provide critical, life-saving services, and staff are expected to behave in a manner that protects the lives and well-being of patients who depend on emergency medical services.'
The department stated that it will continue to support EMS staff while ensuring compliance with proper procedures in cases of allegations of misconduct or breach of contractual obligations.