Patients watch as baby is born in Casualty Section
A woman watched and aided as a baby was delivered in the Casualty Section of Witbank Hospital.
The witness said that a pregnant woman was dropped off by a group of friends at the Casualty Section of the hospital between 20:00 and 21:00 on Monday, February 9.
The woman apparently rushed to reception and told the staff on duty that the ‘baby was coming out’.
According to the witness, the woman in labour was told to first open a file at Casualty.
The woman was said to have been sweating, shivering, crying and obviously in pain, it was clear to the witness that she was about to give birth. The woman called for help but nobody helped her and the baby was delivered on the floor. The witness said the umbilical cord tore because the mother was standing up.
She said the nurses only helped after the baby was born. The mother and baby girl were then taken to be cleaned.
“All the people and patients who were at the casualty witnessed the incident and the floor was full of blood. Patients were not properly directed, as there were no nurses at the nurse’s bay. There was no privacy and help afforded to the poor woman. It was a shame to see that happening in front of our eyes,” said the witness.
Mpumalanga Department of Health Media Liaison Officer was asked to comment, however no response was received.
