Lack of available hospital beds delayed Robert’s wife’s treatment
Robert Park wants justice for his late wife Paulina after not getting the treatment he believes she deserved.
MBOMBELA – After months of trying, Robert Park (45) finally had his appointment with the CEO of Rob Ferreira Hospital, Freidah Nyathi.
He had been trying to set up the meeting since his wife, Paulina (37), died at the hospital in May, due to what he believes was negligence on its part.
Paulina was diagnosed with vulva cancer in January last year. She had a malignant growth.
“She had always complained about pains in her stomach and her vaginal area.”
It was not until she developed tumours that Robert took his wife to hospital. Tests were done and they removed.
She was later referred to Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria.
“She was told that there were no beds, and given an appointment card which said she would be called as soon as Steve Biko had a bed available. Nothing happened after that. She was given pain medication and sent home.”
Paulina continued suffer from pain, and Robert took her back to Rob Ferreira and asked for help while they waited for Steve Biko to get back to them. She was admitted, treated and discharged on a regular basis.
She was admitted for the last time on May 4 and died the following day, seven months shy of their 10th wedding anniversary.
“For her to have lived this long means that if they had acted faster, they could have saved her,” he said.
“I want to know why Rob Ferreira could not help her, and why Steve Biko did not call us back?” asked a frustrated Robert.
He now goes back to an empty home he once shared with Paulina in Pienaar.
Robert works as a car guard at Riverside Mall. “They said that they will investigate,” he told Lowvelder after the meeting. According to Robert, he was told that Rob Ferreira cannot comment on Steve Biko, as it does not have control as to what happens there.
“I am not completely satisfied because I think it will take time,” said Robert. Dumisani Malamule, provincial health spokesman, said Rob Ferreira Hospital does not have a fully functional oncology unit.
Cancer patients are referred to Steve Biko for further management and care. He said if Steve Biko does not have beds to accommodate a patient, he or she returns to Rob Ferreira to continue treatment while waiting for a bed. The Gauteng Department of Health did not respond to a request for comment at the time of going to press.
