Gauteng Health MEC launches probe into baby’s death

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has welcomed action taken by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu against nurses at Rahima Moosa Hospital.

A team has been set up by the department to investigate claims that the nurses refused to help the woman who gave birth by herself last week and also refused to help her while her baby was still alive.

A patient was ignored while screaming for help and later gave birth to a baby then the baby died moments later.

According to a patient that was also at the hospital Michelle (who does want her surname to be known) the woman was asking for help but was not assisted.

“She was screaming and saying that she cannot take the pain.

“The nurses just walked past her and did not help her,” said Michelle.

According to Jack Bloom, Shadow Health MEC for Health strict discipline should be applied.

“Measures to improve staff attitudes should be addressed.

“Nursing is a caring profession and it is unfathomable that any nurse could stand by while a patient is in distress.

“The Nursing Council should also be involved in lifting standards in this area,” said Bloom.

A full investigation into the matter has been launched by Mahlangu.

@gmaster34