Note to Broadcasters: Please find attached soundbites in English and by Gavin Edwards
The DA has written to the MEC for Health in the North West Province, Madoda Sambatha, seeking urgent investigation into a case of alleged medical negligence at the Potchefstroom Hospital. See letter here.
A recent incident at the hospital is a precursor to the type of medical care that will become common practice in an already overburdened system that faces collapse as the ANC forces the NHI Bill through the Parliamentary Process.
Mrs Van Eeden, a pregnant patient, had to wait more than five hours after initially being turned away by the Potchefstroom Hospital Casualty. She had been examined by a GP earlier in the day, who confirmed a good fetal heartbeat. Her husband, Mr Steven van Eeden, rushed his wife to the hospital when she started bleeding and was experiencing severe abdominal pain.
Causality staff turned the patient away from the Casualty Department, insisting that the beds were all full and they would be unable to assist. Mr Van Eeden begged that his wife be examined and was sent to open a file. Her vital signs were assessed, but her pregnancy was ignored.
The couple were then sent to a crowded waiting area where they had no other option than to sit on the floor as there was no seating.
Despite repeated requests for urgent assistance, no medical care was provided to the patient. After waiting almost five hours, seated on the waiting room floor, the patient left the hospital without any medical care being provided.
The hospital staff on duty provided no assistance, insight, or explanations for the delay. They also failed to provide any form of counselling or emotional support and displayed a complete lack of professionalism.
The patient was examined the following morning by a private GP, who confirmed her greatest fear, she had suffered a miscarriage and lost her baby.
The MEC must investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Where medical negligence and malpractice are identified, formal processes must be initiated.
The DA calls on the MEC to take a firm stand on how this patient was treated. The lack of emotional support, counselling, and urgency in an emergency department is unacceptable. Urgent steps must be taken to address this issue.
MEC Sambatha must launch an investigation into this matter, take immediate action against any wrongdoing, and ensure that no patient is ever treated in such an unacceptable way.
The DA wishes to extend its condolences to the Van Eeden family during these difficult times.
In 2024, residents of the North West Province will have the opportunity to put an end to poor medical care by voting out the uncaring ANC government.