Dear Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the treatment of my brother, Mr. Mzuvukile Qhude, an inmate at St Albans Medium B Prison Hospital. Despite numerous attempts to address these issues with the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services (JICS), I have not received a satisfactory resolution.

Specifically, I am alarmed by the following allegations:

* Unauthorized Access to Medical Records: Inmates are reportedly handling medical files, exposing sensitive patient information to potential misuse. This practice directly violates Section 14 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which guarantees the right to privacy.


* Delegation of Duties to Inmates: Non-medical personnel, including inmates, are allegedly performing administrative tasks that should be carried out by qualified healthcare professionals - inmates bathing and changing each other's nappies

Ensure that inmates have access to proper hygiene facilities and care - Provide training to staff on maintaining inmate dignity and respect.
This contravenes Section 35(2)(e) of the Correctional Services Act, 1998, which mandates that correctional officials uphold the rights and dignity of inmates.

* Breach of Patient Confidentiality: Nursing staff are allegedly disclosing patient information to unauthorized individuals. This action is in direct violation of Section 40(1) of the Nursing Act, 2005, which imposes a duty of confidentiality on healthcare professionals.

I urge your office to initiate a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations. A special unit investigation, as outlined in Section 84(2)(d) of the Constitution, may be necessary to uncover the full extent of the problem and to hold those responsible accountable.

As taxpayers, we entrust public servants with the responsibility of providing quality services. The alleged negligence and disregard for patient rights at St Albans Medium B Prison Hospital constitute a serious breach of this trust. led to these allegations.Furthermore, I remind you that public servants are paid with taxpayer money to provide quality services to citizens. If they fail to do so, it is equivalent to misusing public funds.

As public servants, they have a responsibility to uphold the Batho Pele principles and provide services that meet the needs of citizens. implore you to ensure that the DCS and JICS take immediate action to address these systemic failures and uphold the Batho Pele principles of service delivery.

I respectfully request a written response outlining the steps your office will take to address these serious concerns and to safeguard the rights of inmates, including their right to dignity, privacy, and access to adequate healthcare. This isn't a new matter please find attached images.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

Yours sincerely,

Xolisa Qhude