Mpumalanga hospital mistakenly amputates hand of newborn
The Mpumalanga provincial government says it is baffled by the incident that led to the amputation of a newborn baby’s hand.
The 3-week-old baby was admitted to Bernice Samuel Hospital in Delmas for diarrhoea, but had to be transferred to Witbank Hospital after complications.
Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said it wasn’t immediately clear why the baby’s hand had to be amputated.
Mtshweni-Tsipane and MEC for Health Sasekani Manzini visited the baby at the hospital on Sunday.
“The premier has assured the family that a thorough investigation will be conducted,” said her spokesperson Sibongile Mkani-Mpolweni.
“The premier said while the investigation begins the medical staff involved should be suspended with immediate effect.”
Mkani-Mpolweni added officials would see to it that those responsible are held accountable.
“We need only the truth as to what happened.”
“Both the Premier and MEC agree that as government they should take full responsibility of what has happened while a proper investigation is conducted,” said Mkani-Mpolweni.
Both the premier and MEC vowed to offer their support and counselling to the young mother and the rest of the family.
“MEC Manzini said they condemn such unfortunate incidents at our health facilities that’s the reason the Premier and I as mothers ourselves saw it fit that we come here in person to show the family that they are not alone and that we committed in ensuring that justice is done,” Mkani-Mpolweni added.
A preliminary report is expected to be issued within the coming week.
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