7 TB patients still missing

2008-06-17 11:04

Port Elizabeth - Twelve out of 19 patients who escaped from Jose Pearson TB hospital in Port Elizabeth have been found and are back on treatment - but seven are still missing, the Eastern Cape Health Department said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said two patients were found on Tuesday morning.

"A special police task team are still searching for the remaining seven patients."

According to the department, this is the third time TB patients have escaped from the hospital.

"The first time it happened was during the December holidays last year and then again during the Easter holidays this year," said Kupelo.

"When TB patients are brought back they are given psychological treatment to teach them about the risk and danger they are causing."

The 19 patients escaped on Saturday after a security guard who has since been suspended, allegedly allowed one patient to go shopping.

Others then demanded that they also be let out of the hospital, and overpowered security guards.

- SAPA