Unexpected visit to Stanger Hospital

Allegations of negligence at Stanger Hospital resulted in a public visit from the Inkatha Freedom Party health spokesperson Ncamsile Nkwanyana on Wednesday, February 18.

Nkwayana said she was responding to complaints of negligence by doctors and nurses at the hospital.

“The latest serious incident happened on February 2 when Thembekile Mkhize died shortly after giving birth,” said Nkwanyana. She said that Mkhize’s bowel had been accidentally punctured during a cesarean-section procedure.

Another fatal incident Nkwanyana referred to, happened last November when Fikelephi Mfeka died after giving birth in a toilet at the hospital.

In connection with that incident four nurses have been suspended and will appear on the disciplinary committee on Thursday, February 26 and on March 3.

Nkwayana was also investigating claims that in the TB ward, patients are being given medication on an empty stomach.

“All I want is explanations from the hospital board and management. It looks like the department of health has appointed an unprofessional doctor,” she said.

Nkwanyana said the hospital had promised her a report on these matters and she was expecting it on Tuesday.

Chairperson of the hospital board Thulani Khuluse denied that patients are being given medication without food.

“First of all there is no shortage of food in the hospital, so this would not make sense,” said Khuluse.

He went on to say that the doctor who performed the cesarean on Mkhize is still working at the hospital.

“We cannot fire or suspend anyone without an investigation. Action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation,” said Khuluse.

In response to Nkwanyana’s visit the KZN health MEC Sbongiseni Dhlomo visited the hospital on Friday, condemning statements she had made.

“When you want to judge, you need to listen to both sides of the story, then make a judgement call. She came to the hospital with the press without informing the MEC. She has the right to come and speak with the management and board of the hospital any time she wants.”

He agreed that there had been serious incidents at the hospital suspected to have been a result of negligence, but said he could not comment on them until the investigation was complete.

The investigation will be lead by the department of health director general Mfowethu Zungu.

Democratic Alliance KZN health spokesperson Dr Imran Keeka said the MEC has taken umbrage to opposition members of parliament and members of the provincial legislature visiting healthcare institutions in KZN and he intends lodging a complaint to the KZN provincial legislature speaker Lydia Johnson.

“We expect her to tell MEC Dhlomo that MP’s and MPL’s are doing their jobs and that they are not intruders or trespassers on his private property.”