Newborn death claims at Addington Hospital: Department of Health sets the record straight
The Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal has hit back at online criticism following claims that a newborn died at Durban’s Addington Hospital, allegedly due to staff negligence.
According to social media posts, a woman informed nursing staff that she was in labour.
Posts claimed that the woman was told to walk to the labour ward on her own, and during this time, she gave birth. It is further alleged that the baby fell and died.
Responding to the backlash, the Department of Health clarified and dismissed the allegations.
“We are deeply troubled by the false and distressing claim that the newborn infant passed away.
“Contrary to false reports, the child has not died. Both the mother and baby are in good health. The child is healthy, and both were discharged in a stable condition last month,” the department said in a statement.
It said it has since met with the woman’s family who are also upset at the lies being pedaled.
In the meantime, the department has confirmed that an investigation into claims that the woman was made to walk on her own to the labour ward, is under way.
“We are deeply concerned about the allegations that a patient in an advanced stage of labour was asked to walk to the labour ward, resulting in the infant being delivered en route. The clinical assessment preceding this instruction is a central focus of the investigation. Hospital management is required to submit a full report,” the department explained.
It further appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unverified information.
IOL