Medical negligence case leaves mother up in arms

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is in hot water following a medical negligence case that left a six-year-old boy severely handicapped.

According to media reports, Newcastle resident, Ntombenhle Mkhize began her legal battle in the Pietermaritzburg High Court earlier this week.

Ms Mkhize gave birth to Thabiso Thwala after being in labour for three days. Doctors took 15 minutes to resuscitate him, leaving him mentally and physically handicapped.

Thabiso’s mother claimed his condition was as a direct result of the negligence of staff at the Utrecht Clinic and Madadeni Hospital.

According to reports, the applicant said she was diagnosed on admission to Utrecht Clinic as being ‘post-mature’ and in the early stages of labour in August, 2009.

She was reportedly admitted to the labour ward at the clinic before being transferred to the antenatal ward at Madadeni Hospital.

Ms Mkhize is believed to have been in a prolonged first stage of labour. 28 Hours later, Thabiso finally made his way into the world.

She alleged hospital staff disregarded the fact that she more than three weeks overdue and that labour was prolonged unnecessarily. She further claimed she should have been given a Caesarean section.

“They failed to see that the foetus was in distress and unnecessary prolonged labour. There was also no qualified paediatrician in attendance,” Ms Mkhize told the media.

As a result of the apparent negligence, Thabiso will forever be dependent on others. He requires constant therapy and makes use of specilised medical equipment. Furthermore, adjustments had to be made to his living environment.

Ms Mkhize told a source Thabiso requires caregivers who work ‘shifts’ to look after him.

MEC for Health, Doctor Sibongiseni Dhlomo, initially denied the allegations of negligence. However, a source at the Pietermaritzburg High Court said he agreed to pay out an initial sum of R5-million following lengthy negotiations this week.

Her claim against the department amounts to almost R36-million for pain and suffering, as well as Thabiso’s past and future medical costs.

The proceedings were adjourned until February 15, 2016. The only issue still to be decided is the total amount of damages the province must pay to the applicant.

Ms Mkhize was unhappy about by the delay in the finalisation of the case. The adjournment was allegedly due to the fact that the State would attempt to lead further evidence regarding Thabiso’s life expectancy.

As the State gets its ducks in a row, Ms Mkhize simply wants the department to be held accountable for its actions..

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