Lenmed Health’s summary of events regarding the death of Farhana Kaloo:

The staff member presented to a GP at the hospital during the morning of 3 July. The staff member received medical care and was subsequently examined by her own medical practitioner, who certified her sick leave for the day. She left the hospital in a satisfactory condition.

When she returned to the hospital some 6 hours later, a doctor of her choice assessed her and provided treatment, which was rendered by our caring staff for over 3 hours. Her mother, who was present, would verify this.

Her family was offered the option of being admitted at La Verna Private Hospital, but chose to go to the Provincial Hospital instead.

She was transferred in a stable condition and arrived at the Provincial Hospital, where further treatment would be administered. Her attending doctor was happy to transfer without using an ambulance.

At no stage did La Verna Hospital demand money before treatment.

On the contrary, the patient was admitted directly to the casualty department upon arrival and her spouse only filled in the admission forms some 30 minutes later.

Lenmed Health offers staff preferential rates for admission and allows them to pay off accounts over time. In addition, all staff are offered the benefit of a subsidized medical scheme membership, which is voluntary.

Lenmed Health private hospitals will always deal with requests for payments sensitively by advising patients of deposits required for treatment on admission. On discharge, the patient will be advised of the total account payable and whether they will receive a refund or whether they will be required to pay in a shortfall.

Patients should always feel they can discuss all issues pertaining to payments with the manager on duty. It should be noted that in an emergency situation, a patient will be treated and stabilised before being transferred – should said patient not choose to pay the rate required for admission.