Family kept in the dark over mother’s death
The family of 85-year-old Mmogo Shoko who died last week Monday, cried foul because the cause of death was never disclosed to the family.
A family wants to take legal action against a Pretoria hospital after their mother died and they were not officially told what the cause of her death was.
The family of 85-year-old Mmogo Shoko who died last week Monday, cried foul because the cause of death was never disclosed to the family by Muelmed Mediclinic hospital.
Shoko’s son, David, said despite several calls to the hospital after his mother’s death, the hospital did not give feedback on the cause of her death.
David said he found out at the mortuary that his mother had died after contracting Covid-19.
“We found out she died from Covid-19 when we got to the mortuary and saw she was wrapped in three body bags. When we inquired why they told us she was a Covid-19 positive case.”
David then demanded answers from one of the doctors who attended to his mother. He then confirmed that she died after contracting Covid-19.
“It is a fact that anybody can get the virus but why hide it from us? We feel cheated and we need explanations.”
David said his mother was admitted to the hospital on 22 June after she could not move. After scans she underwent brain surgery, three days later.
“When she got there they tested her for Covid-19 and she tested negative. After the surgery, she was in high care then moved to ICU.
“She was later moved to the general ward. She was recovering well and we were communicating via the phone.
“The nurses told us she should be discharged soon.”
However, things took a turn on Saturday, 11 July, when the family inquired with the hospital on her possible date of release, they were informed the hospital was conducting blood tests.
The tests revealed she had an infection on her lungs and had tested positive Covid-19, he said.
“All of this I found out after she had passed away,” he said.
David said the family felt cheated of the truth and treated unfairly by the hospital.
In response to the Rekord’s query on the issue, Mediclinic Southern Africa chief clinical officer Dr Stefan Smuts apologised for any oversight in not keeping the family members of the patient informed through the course of treatment.
Smuts said that Mediclinic Muelmed was investigating the matter and that “all necessary corrective actions will be implemented to avoid a re-occurrence”.
“Mediclinic Muelmed extends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the patient in question,” Smuts said.
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