Anger after mother’s death in Carletonville Hospital

According to the sons of the late Mrs Magdalena Maria (Lenie) Panter, Messrs. Leon and Hans Panter, their mother died in the hospital on 19 April.
The late Mrs Panter, who was 84 years old, only had a short illness. Leon discovered her after she had fallen in her room. Although they immediately took her to Carletonville Hospital, she was sent home with only pain medication and suffered a stroke soon afterwards.
When she returned to Carletonville Hospital, Leon says the staff found her file had disappeared, and they had to open another. His mother was admitted to the hospital and was treated for ten days before she died on 19 April. During this time, her family visited her diligently until the day before her passing.
Leon was devastated when he arrived at the hospital at visiting time on 20 April and heard his mother had died the day before.
“Why did no one let us know or inform us that her condition had deteriorated so fast? If they had done so, we would have rushed to be with her,” he laments.
When the brothers asked the hospital personnel why they had not contacted them, they reportedly claimed they could not find their numbers and had phoned the Fochville Police Station to trace them. The police said they could not find their home.
“This is a lie because our numbers and addresses were on the same document. I live a block away from the police station. I followed it up with the police, and they showed me they had received no such call,” complains a furious Leon. To make matters worse, their mother’s silver earrings disappeared while she was there.
Although the hospital held a redress meeting with the family last week and, according to the brothers, said they would replace the earrings, they are still far from happy.
“It is not about the money, but the sentimental value. It seems the hospital does not care about the victims or their families,” the brothers complain.
Carletonville Hospital’s spokesperson, Mr Matabo Letsoalo, confirmed the issues.
“The family of Mrs Panter were redressed as per the hospital’s complaints management system. The family were informed of the circumstances surrounding their grievance and a detailed explanation was provided to them. The hospital openly communicates all relevant information to patients and their families. This includes general patient updates when required. The incident reported is not typical of our conduct and we will do our best to ensure it is not repeated,” Letsoalo says.