The Gauteng Department of Health investigates mysterious death of patient
JOBURG - The Gauteng Department of Health has instituted an investigation into the mysterious death of a patient at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg.
Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu said this follows the death of a 35-year-old woman who was admitted on 22 January. “The deceased was found in a bath tub [in the hospital] with severe burns to the face, parts of left thigh and leg on 24 January,” Mahlangu said. She said according to the hospital’s records, the patient’s diagnosis was heart and renal failure. The statement from the department revealed that the patient was seen about 15 minutes earlier by the nursing staff.
“The deceased was found by another patient in a bath tub, who immediately called in nurses. They pulled her out of hot water which was less than one-third full in the tub and rushed her to bed for resuscitation. A doctor was called and initiated resuscitation without success,” the statement read.
Police were called in and they are busy with investigations. Meanwhile, a post-mortem will be requested to determine the cause of death. The patient was admitted with a three-month-old baby who will be handed over to a next of kin. “Our prayers are with the family of the bereaved during this time of grief. The investigation will help us ascertain what led to the incident.”
