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Sunday, 16 February, 2025
HomeMedico-LegalClinic cleared of blame for pregnant woman’s death

Clinic cleared of blame for pregnant woman’s death

An internal investigation by the Gauteng Department of Health into the death of a 32-year-old expectant mother, who died at Westbury Clinic last month before the delivery of her first child, found she had a serious underlying condition.

News24 reports that the death of Mirriam Singh (32) had caused an uproar in the community, with some accusing the clinic of negligence.

However, said department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, an investigation showed the staff at the Midwifery Obstetric Unit had not been negligent.

“The outcome of the internal investigation was also subjected to expert review by leading specialists in obstetrics/gynaecology and surgery from Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital,” he added.

“The report found that the correct protocols had been followed by the attending staff.”

The post-mortem report revealed that Singh had a serious underlying condition which had contributed to the deterioration of her condition shortly after after she arrived at the clinic.

“An investigating officer from the South African Police Service has handed over the post-mortem report to the Singh family,” he said.

“The department has noted with disappointment the malicious allegations prematurely made on public platforms by various interested parties, which were not based on any clinical fact but hearsay.”

 

News24 article – Gauteng health department internal probe clears Westbury Clinic of expectant mother's death (Restricted access)

 

See more from MedicalBrief archives:

 

A woman dies every two minutes in pregnancy or childbirth: UN report

 

SA to miss UN goals on reducing child and maternal deaths

 

Jhb clinic wins coveted international architecture award

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