at Makiwane Hospital
26 May 2006
The Department of Health regrets the loss of the four babies as a result of
a power failure at Ward 17 at Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in the Eastern Cape on
17 May 2006, and we would like to extend our deepest condolences to all the
family affected.
The cause of the actual death of the babies is still being investigated:
* to prevent future re-occurrence
* to establish if there was any negligence.
An internal investigation has uncovered that the power failure was not as a
result of Eskom power supply failure. If it was, existing standby generators
would have kicked in. In this case, it has since been established that it was a
local isolated power interruption to ward 17 only.
As a further preventative back-up measure, the Department of Health in the
Eastern Cape is proceeding with the installation of an Un-interrupted Power
Supply system in ward 17 and 16 as an emergency back-up to supply uninterrupted
power for a duration of four hours.
The province is addressing all associated issues with regard to the matter. The
equipment replacement programme of the provincial Department of Health is
ongoing.
A thorough investigation by the Eastern Cape Quality Assurance Branch team is
continuing to provide answers to some of the yet unanswered questions.
The national Department of Health will provide the required support and monitor
the investigation.
Enquiries
Charity Bhengu
Cell: 083 679 7424
Issued by: Department of Health
26 May 2006
