A patient at Potchefstroom Hospital who was being treated for epilepsy, died after jumping from the third floor of his room at the hospital on Monday, 12 February.
Potchefstroom Hospital in conjunction with the North West Department of Health confirmed that Hendrick Mokoto (36), had died due to injuries sustained in the fall.
According to NW Department of Health spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, Mokoto asked nursing staff if he could smoke at around 03:00 this morning. Staff advised him to wait until daylight.
Mokoto then went to the toilet shortly afterwards and squeezed himself through the small toilet window before jumping from the third floor.
“He was found by the nursing staff with head injuries and broken limbs. He was immediately wheeled to casualty for emergency attention. Everything was done to save his life but he was pronounced dead at 06:18,” added Lekgethwane.
Based on a report from Potchefstroom Hospital, Mokoto was admitted on Thursday, 8 February in ward 3 under internal medicine where he was treated for his postictal status. He was also described as being confused and had hallucinations since the seizures. His blood and CT brain work-up was grossly normal.
According to the hospital, Mokoto had a history of being poorly compliant with his treatment, smoked dagga and was an alcohol user. He also reportedly had three consecutive seizures at his home on Sunday, 4 February, but was not brought to hospital. Mokoto had been battling epilepsy since 2006 and was also previously admitted to psychiatric facilities. According to the hospital report, his postictal state has always been a mixture of aggression and confusion. In 2011 he took organophosphates to try and commit suicide.
“The hospital staff involved in the incident have been debriefed and referred to the psychologist for assistance. They have also been granted a day off work. Mortality and morbidity meetings by the relevant clinical department will be done soon,” stated Lekgethwane.
The hospital management and the relevant officials have informed the family who has been given the opportunity to view and identify the corpse at the hospital mortuary. Thereafter they will be granted access to the hospital psychologist services.
MEC of Health in North West, Madoda Sambatha, is saddened by this incident and sends a message of condolences to the bereaved families.
