Negligence at state facilities costs woman her foot
Four weeks ago her foot got so bad that two of her toes started rotting.
After four months of agony and pain a 58-year-old woman no longer could keep quiet about the public health system that has failed her.
Johanna Barkhuizen explained to the Herald she discovered a sore on her left foot about four months ago.
She went to the Randfontein Clinic in Main Street for treatment. They examined it, but allegedly told her she only should apply some ointment and bandage her foot.
When the sore got worse she returned to the clinic. They allegedly gave her antibiotics and once again told her only to apply ointment and bandage her foot. This time they diagnosed her with diabetes and told her it was the reason for her foot not healing properly.
The staff made an appointment for her at Leratong Hospital but when she arrived for her appointment they allegedly told her they were unable to help her on that specific day. On 1 September, she eventually was seen by the doctor who only prescribed more antibiotics. Four weeks ago the condition of her foot deteriorated to such an extent that the flesh of two of her toes started dying. Half her foot turned black and she realised she had gangrene.Â
The Herald contacted Leratong Hospital for comment, who stated that the patient is not listed on their database.
With the help of DA councillor Ellik de Lange, she visited Life Robinson Hospital on 28 September where the doctor gave her the shocking news that she needed to have her foot amputated to save her leg.
A dismayed Johanna told the Herald,
I feel they could have helped me in so many other ways. There was so much they did not tell me. This could have been avoided with proper medical care and advice.”
This is not the only battle Johanna is fighting.
Besides being diabetic, she suffers from high blood pressure and was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Her 26-year-old son is disabled mentally and physically, and her husband is a pensioner.
Social services allegedly also has shown her the door as they refused her a disability grant. On average this family is left with R600 a month for food and necessities.
Yesterday 30 September Johanna was due to have her foot amputated at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. There are clots in her lower leg, which makes the possibility of further amputations a harsh reality.
Neglect and a total disregard for the right to receive the best and appropriate medical care at two health-care facilities are going to change a woman’s life for the worst.
The Herald is awaiting an official response from the relevant clinic.
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