The Gauteng Department of Health has instituted an investigation into a mysterious death of a patient at Helen Joseph Hospital in Auckland Park, Johannesburg. This follows the death of a 35 year-old woman who was admitted on Friday, 22 January 2016. The deceased was found in a bath tub with severe burns to the face, parts of left thigh and leg on Sunday, 24 January 2016.
According to the Hospital’s records the patient diagnosis was heart and renal failure. The patient was seen about 15 minutes earlier by the nursing staff. The deceased was found by another patient in a bath tub, who immediately called in nurses. They pulled her out of hot water which was less than one third full in the tub and rushed her to bed for resuscitation. A doctor was called and initiated resuscitation without success.
Police were called in and they are busy with the investigations. Meanwhile a post mortem will be requested to determine the cause of death. The patient was admitted with a three-month-old baby who will be handed over to a next of kin.
“Our prayers are with the family of the bereaved during this time of grief. The investigation will help us ascertain what led to the incident,” said Gauteng Health MEC, Ms Qedani Mahlangu.
For more information please contact:
Steve Mabona
Cell: 072 574 3860
For media enquiries:
E-mail: mediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za
