18 December 2006
The Gauteng Health Department sympathises with Ms Michelle Tolkein, whose
twin pregnancy ended prematurely at Far East Rand Hospital on 5 December 2006.
We express our heartfelt condolences and wish her strength during this painful
period.
Some of the facts of the case however were not accurately reported. Ms
Tolkein went into premature labour for unknown reasons and delivered stillborn
twin girl foetuses weighing 500g each on 5 December 2006. She discharged
herself against medical advice on the same day and left without leaving
instructions as to the burial or cremation of the foetuses. The hospital
contacted relatives the next day and asked them to come to the hospital to
formalise matters but they did not do this until approximately 14h00 on 13
December. Due to this delay a staff member put the foetuses in a locked fridge
to ensure that they were not mistakenly removed. This resulted in a delay in
locating them until 18h00 that evening. The family was immediately notified
that they had been found and the hospital apologised for the delay. The family
accepted the apology.
The Department trusts that the above facts will put the matter in
context.
Enquiries:
Howard Ndaba
Cell: 082 334 9851
Issued by: Department of Health, Gauteng Provincial Government
18 December 2006
