GP Health to probe infant death at Sebokeng Hospital
The Department of Health in Gauteng will launch an investigation into an incident at the Sebokeng Hospital that allegedly led to the death of a newborn baby.
It’s alleged a 25-year-old woman was made to deliver her premature baby unaided by the nursing staff at the hospital earlier this month.
The woman told television news channel NewzRoom Afrika that she was told to stop making a noise, by one of the nurses, when she cried for help after she had delivered her 24-week foetus.
She said her child was alive when the nurse came to “reprimand her” but the healthcare worker left without checking the baby.
It’s alleged the nurse then returned only to cover the infant with linen before cutting the umbilical cord, which was still attached to the mother, and then took the baby away.
The department’s Motalatale Modiba said the department learned about the alleged incident earlier this week.
“In order to establish facts and circumstances around this incident the department has taken a decision to institute an independent investigation into the matter. Further details on the said process will be communicated in due course,” he said.
Modiba acknowledged the existence of a graphic video that was taken by the distressed patient who can be heard screaming for help in the footage.
He said psychosocial support would be offered to the affected family.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the mother and the entire family affected,” he added.
Meanwhile, the grieving mother believes if the nurses had given her and her premature baby the necessary care her child may still be alive.
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