Stefan Blofield is finally going to receive much needed medical attention after a state hospital discharge him despite multiple broken bones and serious lung complications.

He was forced to endure weeks at home in a makeshift hospital bed after a devastating motorcycle crash and a series of healthcare failures that left him discharged without surgery.

Only after the newspaper questioned the Mpumalanga Department of Health was this 49-year-old from Secunda contacted and arrangements made to transfer him to the hospital in Ermelo.

Stefan sustained serious injuries in a motorcycle accident near Sunset Park at about 13:00 on August 20. He was on his way to a friend’s house that day, riding his motorcycle in the right lane.

He was preparing to turn at the intersection of Walter Sisulu Road and Helen Joseph Drive, near the Fireplace Roadhouse, when a motorist in the straight-only lane turned in front of him.

The seriously injured Stefan was treated on the scene, and ER24 transported him to Evander Hospital. However, upon arrival, there were no available beds, and he was transferred to Mediclinic Highveld Hospital in Trichardt, where the medical staff stabilised him.

Due to not having medical aid, no further treatment could be provided at Mediclinic, and Stefan was referred to Bethal Provincial Hospital.

With no assistance available from the provincial ambulance service, a friend transported him to Bethal Hospital in an SUV. Stefan sustained a broken left ankle and leg, broken ribs, and chest injuries. He also has diabetes and has an existing heart condition.

“He was at Bethal Hospital for three days. According to the nurses, the doctor who was supposed to operate was unavailable. We don’t know if the doctor was aware of his condition,” said his wife, Dorie.

Stefan was discharged, still suffering from his injuries, on August 23 and transported home by family in a company minibus. He was due back at the hospital on September 22 for a follow-up appointment. The Blofields are struggling to understand why the hospital released him in such a condition.

“He received only pain medication equivalent to Panado and a cast on his leg. There was no clear communication on why he was being discharged or when the operation would take place,” Dorie said.

Since then, Stefan has been recovering at home in a makeshift hospital setup. Friends have donated an adjustable bed, a wheelchair, an oxygen machine, and a vital signs monitor.

“The cast on my leg doesn’t help. It slips off when I get out of bed to go to the toilet. My wife has to push it back up,” said Stefan.

Proper medication and regular private visits from their house doctor are costing the Blofields about R4 000 a week.

“He is on a drip for antibiotics and steroids for his lungs, which keep collapsing. It’s thanks to our doctor that he is still alive,” said Dorie.

Stefan is at high risk of infection and gangrene due to his diabetes.

“We’re worried that if he gets an infection and it spreads to gangrene, his leg may have to be amputated. We don’t know what the condition of his leg is under the cast,” said Dorie.

Stefan has lost around 20kg, and his lungs have collapsed multiple times, requiring emergency visits from their house doctor. His pain levels remain extremely high.

“Sometimes it feels like I’m done and my organs are shutting down. I even coughed up blood, which eventually stopped,” Stefan said.

Dorie shared that during one of the lung collapses, Stefan called his family to say goodbye because he thought he wouldn’t survive.

“I can’t sleep. I’m scared he’ll stop breathing and not wake up,” she said.

Stefan underwent X-rays of his lungs on September 9. His left lung has a fluid buildup, while the right lung indicates increased damage and many patches.

The provincial spokesperson of the health department, Dumisane Malamule, replied on Thursday that Stefan was to be admitted to Ermelo Hospital.

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Malamule said that according to the Bethal Hospital administration, the specialist who was supporting Bethal could only see the patient in September, thus “the patient opted to wait at home for the date of the doctor”.

“District hospitals (such as Bethal Hospital) do not have specialists. However, specialists from regional and tertiary hospitals like Ermelo do outreaches to support district hospitals, ensuring that patients receive specialised services in their areas of residence.

“On the day of discharge, the patient’s condition was stable and he was told that should there be any changes in condition, he should not hesitate to come back,” said Malamule.

Stefan is a contract worker under a no work, no pay agreement, and with him now unable to work and the extra medical expenses, the couple are not making ends meet.

“No money is coming in; only the donations. I am also unemployed,” Dorie added.

The family is also worried about losing the property they are renting, as they have no income, on top of everyday expenses like food and electricity.

The Blofields’ soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Veronica Buchling, has created a Facebook post appealing for urgent help with the couple’s daily expenses, such as food and electricity.

Donations can be made to:
* Capitec Bank
*Account number: 1480877709
* Savings account
* Account holder: D Blofield
* Reference: Fundraising for Stefan

For more information, WhatsApp Buchling at 083 225 7133.