Mother claims baby falls on floor while she gives birth at South Rand Hospital
My baby fell on the floor while I was giving birth, then I collapsed.
Regents Park resident Philisiwe Mabena (23) underwent a devastating experience while she was giving birth at South Rand Hospital.
While in the process of giving birth to her baby boy, Katlego Mabena, she claimed she asked for assistance, but she was ignored and left unattended to.
She also added that the security guard at the hospital assaulted her while she was trying to call her mother in the waiting hall.
“I was ill-treated by the nurses while I was about to give birth. There was even a patient next to me who tried asking the nurses to help me, but they didn’t care to listen,” explained Mabena.
In an interview with the CHRONICLE, she said she noticed the baby was crowing and then the baby fell on the floor. That, according to her, is when she collapsed.
“I woke up and noticed I had already given birth. When I asked to see my mother, I was denied by the security guard.
“I forced myself out of the ward to go see her and I was assaulted. When I asked why is he laying his hands on me he said I was trying to run away from my baby,” she said.
After the incident, Mabena said she asked to be moved to Joburg General Hospital since she was mistreated and she needed her baby to be checked to make sure he did not suffer any permanent damage.
While the matter is being investigated, the CHRONICLE spoke to the spokesperson of South Rand Hospital, Phafudi Molapo.
He said South Rand Hospital’s priority remains the health and safety of their hospital community, namely staff members, patients and visitors.
“Ms Philisiwe Mabena was admitted to the hospital on January 13 into the maternity ward. She delivered her baby on the floor and there was no evidence that the baby fell. The baby has been closely monitored and is doing well,” said Molapo.
He said the matter regarding the incident with the security guard has been handed over to the SAPS.
“A complaint has been lodged and investigations are underway. Hospital management has also been in contact with the family and is committed to providing further medical assistance where necessary,” he said.
