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HomeMedico-LegalStanding birth baby death at Mamelodi Hospital to be investigated

Standing birth baby death at Mamelodi Hospital to be investigated

A newborn fell to his death at Mamelodi Hospital, east of Pretoria, after nurses allegedly refused to help his mother, who gave birth standing. According to a Sowetan report, Theresa Ngwendu, 30, the Zimbabwean mother said she was rushed to the hospital a week ago as she was about to go into labour. She said a nurse at the hospital refused to assist her on arrival and told her "this is not Zimbabwe".

According to the report, the hospital's CEO Dr Terrence Makhudu said he viewed the allegations in a serious light and has launched an investigation. "We met the family… to afford them an opportunity to present their concerns and unhappiness with the service rendered and to redress the matter," Makhudu said.

He said the hospital gave an "explanation… relating to the condition that lead to the death of their baby but they (parents) were dissatisfied."

Police spokesperson Capt Johannes Maheso confirmed that an inquest has been opened with the Mamelodi East police station.

[link url="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-08-20-this-is-not-zim-nurse-tells-mom-as-her-baby-falls-to-death/"]Sowetan report[/link]

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