THE family of an elderly woman in Montclair is considering legal action after alleged mistreatment at a government hospital.
The family of Maureen Skinner (81) has threatened to take legal action against the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health following claims that she was mistreated during her recent stay in King Edward Hospital.
Also read: Chaos unfolds at Wentworth Hospital
Skinner was admitted to Wentworth Hospital on June 20 due to gastrointestinal bleeding. Her condition seemed to deteriorate after being transferred to King Edward VIII Hospital.
Skinner’s daughter Bronwen Liebenberg recounted a troubling series of events. After Skinner was put on an IV drip at King Edward VIII Hospital, she lost consciousness, leaving Liebenberg concerned and confused.
When she visited the following day, Liebenberg discovered bruises on her mother’s arms and learned that Skinner had been restrained by nursing staff. According to Liebenberg, Skinner reported that she had been tied to the bed to ensure she received the IV drip.
“This is cruelty. How could they treat a patient like this? I am seriously considering legal action against the department for what they did to my mother,” said Liebenberg.
Skinner’s condition deteriorates in hospital
Liebenberg claimed that her mother’s nappies were not changed throughout the day, leading to further discomfort.
The situation only improved after Liebenberg raised the issue, prompting two male nurses to attend to Skinner. She was later transferred to Clairwood Hospital for further evaluation.
The family now reports that Skinner is bedridden and unable to walk, which they attribute to her treatment at King Edward VIII Hospital. Liebenberg is also seeking clarification on the medication administered to Skinner on the day she lost consciousness.
Since her discharge in July, Skinner has been receiving care at home from her daughter, Shan Sterling.
The SUN tried to reach out to the KZN Department of Health, however, its spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa did not respond to the questions sent to him.
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