lamented the absence of meaningful allowances and also a poor unclear grading
system which does not recognize long service. It was reported that critical staff to
the Institution such as Matrons do not recieve on call allowance. Staff were
reported to walk long distances and even at night because the hospital does not
have a bus of its own to ferry them.
In addition to the above, interviewed staff highlighted that the introduction of
rentals on State owned houses had further stained their already suffocating
pockets. They stated that the staff quotas accommodation was now rated at
market price-which was stated to be around USD250 for big houses. This was
raised as a major concern by the staff.
6.13
Mental Health Training School
The ZHRC established that there are two training programmes running which are
the Post Basics and the Generic Mental Nurses. The Post Basis programme is for
Registered General Nurses (RGN) who are intending to further their studies
through specializing in mental health care, in a period of eighteen months. The
Generic Mental Nurses are trained for a period of three years on Mental Health
Care. Such a facility at the Institution allows for “a hands on approach” to cases of
mental patients, and allows for a better appreciation and growth of passion for this
special category of patients.
It was however noted that there are no proper school blocks as lessons are
conducted in some of the wards that were converted into lecture rooms for this
purpose. Furthermore staff who carry out administrative work also double up as
tutors, which is burdensome to their schedule.
7. Areas of Good Practice
7.1 Cordial Relations between Hospital and stakeholders
The ZHRC noted the relations and partnerships entered into between
Ingutsheni and the various service providers in the Bulawayo to keep the
Institution running. The ZHRC team was informed of prominent business
persons in Bulawayo, faith based organizations (churches), local hotels and
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