THE experience of a Durban patient at a public health facility has brought attention to ongoing systemic challenges in KZN’s public healthcare system.

Drummond resident Schalk Blignaut was admitted to Victoria Mxenge Hospital on May 11 with a serious medical condition that left him in severe pain, along with multiple complications.

According to his partner Nicole Randall, despite the severity of Blignaut’s symptoms, he was discharged with only pain and reflux medication, which she believed was insufficient for his condition.

Randall said no structured treatment plan was initially put in place, and despite Blignaut being “dangerously underweight” and struggling to eat or retain fluids, he was not referred to a dietician at first.

Randall said she then sent a formal email to the hospital management, raising concerns and the hospital apparently apologised, and reportedly arranged a dietician appointment for Blignaut and issued new prescriptions.

However, Randall said, the medication Blignaut “urgently required” was reportedly unavailable and had to be purchased privately.

Randall said by August she noted that no follow-up CT scan had been scheduled, leading her to make a public social media post that drew attention from health authorities.

Due to the ongoing delay, she eventually arranged a privately funded CT scan for August 7, she added.

Randall said during a meeting between herself, Blignaut, and hospital management, staff shortages were acknowledged and the patient was referred to another facility for further specialist intervention.

She said an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was performed at the other hospital, but the follow-up appointment was only scheduled for December.

“This left Schalk without ongoing specialist monitoring,” lamented Randall.

Randall said that during repeated admissions in September, Schalk again experienced “poor pain control and inadequate clinical care, and was discharged while still in pain and without clear follow-up arrangements”.

“Privately obtained medical reports, contrasting with the hospital’s statements, show that Schalk’s condition remains life-threatening. He is still severely underweight, frequently unable to eat, at times struggling to breathe, and occasionally requires to be on a nebulizer. His pain is currently managed at home with morphine,” said Randall.

Also read: Family of woman allegedly killed by lover oppose bail

The Highway Mail’s repeated attempts to obtain comment from the KZN Department of Health (DoH) were unsuccessful.

However, this publication was able to source a report compiled by the hospital which details its recordings of Blignaut’s admission and treatment history.

“Mr. Blignaut responded well to treatment, achieved full pain control, tolerated a full diet, and demonstrated good nutritional status. He was discharged on 13 June, 2025 with a clear management plan, and the follow-up CT request was submitted to Radiology before discharge,” reads the report.

According to this report, Blignaut was referred to a dietician and medication which he required was prescribed to him.

In the report it is stated that Blignaut’s case, which at that stage was co-managed by another hospital he had been referred to, was discussed again with the latter facility which “confirmed that the planned four to six weeks CT follow-up remained appropriate”.

“The Radiology Department confirmed receipt of the request processed on 16 June, 2025 and advised that due to high service volumes, a one- to two-week delay might occur. The patient was duly informed of this.

“Subsequent patient complaints regarding CT scheduling were addressed promptly. The patient was reminded of the planned time frame, end of July, early August, as per specialist advice.

“Despite this, he opted to undergo a private CT scan on 7 August 2025. A redress meeting was held on 13 August, 2025, during which the patient apologised for misinterpreting the timeline, confirmed understanding of the clinical plan, and expressed appreciation for the care received,” reads the report.

The hospital, in the report, acknowledged that “staff shortages are a recognised national and provincial challenge” and that these are “being systematically addressed through ongoing recruitment, workload management, and digital communication improvements” at the facility.

In the report, it is also stated by the hospital that when Blignaut was discharged in September, the medication prescribed to him was “consistent with provincial pain management protocols”.

The Victoria Mxenge Hospital, in the report, concluded that Blignaut’s case was “appropriately and collaboratively” managed by itself and sister facility where the patient had been referred for specialist treatment, “according to established clinical protocols”.

“All decisions were guided by specialist input, clinical stability, and standard care pathways. While the patient expressed concern about waiting times, the Department acknowledges this as a systemic challenge related to high service demand rather than clinical negligence. Continuous efforts are underway to improve communication, strengthen referral co-ordination, and enhance patient experience across KZN public health facilities,” reads the report.

Randall said Blignaut’s condition has not improved as he awaits his December appointment.

“He is still on morphine for pain. He is battling to eat, he has not gained weight, and at times he vomits. We are deeply concerned.

“He has been ill for six months now and is not able to work and we are down to one income and extra medical costs as we have to pay cash for everything as no follow-up appointments or medication was given, just Panado; we are raising funds to get him all the medication and help he needs to be able to manage him at home. We have a backabuddy running,” said Randall.

The campaign can be found here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/ct-for-my-partner.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here