Leratong Regional State Hospital has scooped a client service award in their Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department days after battling negligence claims from a distraught family who lost their unborn child at the same hospital.
A saddened Alwyn Kleynhans told the News of how his unborn child died in his wife’s womb and that he suspects it is because of negligence. Eight-months pregnant, Martonette was admitted to Leratong with severe cramps. Kleynhans recalled feeling their unborn baby kicking the night before his wife, had to be rushed to hospital. But hours later Kleynhans received the message that the sonar the doctor had taken revealed their unborn baby had died in his wife’s womb.
Meanwhile, Leratong’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department was awarded as the best innovator of public service by the Department of Public Service and Administration.
Fikile Oyekanmi, the hospital’s head of communications, said the hospital’s One Stop Shop Project is to thank for the award.
“The One Stop Shop Project was initiated with an aim to improve services by reducing unnecessary waiting time for patients seen at the Gynaecology Outpatient Department (GOPD). The interventions included developing a new procedures, training medical officers in trans-vaginal sonography and refining communication with all key stakeholders, especially patients.
“To date, 98 percent of sonars are done in the GOPD, resulting in less patients waiting to be booked for sonars through the Radiology Department,” she said.
MEC Mahlangu commended the team and said they represent the best in the public service.
“I would like to congratulate and his team for winning this award. The interventions they implemented have improved service delivery, and thereby improved the quality of life for our people. This team represents a group of unsung heroes in our facilities that work tirelessly to better the lives of those they serve.”
Dr Francios Lubbe, the head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, said he was humbled by the award and he trusts it will set the tone for better things to come.
“When I was interviewed for the position of Head of Department in 2013, I said I would do my best to make the Department the best in Gauteng. I sincerely hope this award will serve as an incentive to achieve even higher levels in the future. Thank you to my CEO, and the team I work with.”
As for Kleynhans’ allegations, Oyekanmi responded with the following: “The allegations made are taken in serious light and an investigation is underway. Due to the nature of the complaint, the outcome will be confined to the patient concerned as we have an obligation to uphold confidentiality.”
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