The Eastern Cape Health MEC, Sicelo Gqobana has ordered an urgent probe into death of 29 neonates at the East London’s Cecilia Makhiwane Hospital. The neonates were being treated at the hospital’s paediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the hospital authorities revealed that 23 of the 29 babies were referrals from clinics and hospitals around East London.
The babies all had an extremely low birth weight below 1 kg. Thirteen (13) of them died from HIV related complications. Doctors also noted klebsiella on three neonates, however, the department at this stage cannot conclude that there has been an epidemic or outbreak.
Already a team of epidemiologists, senior officials and doctors has been sent to the hospital as part of the investigation. The MEC is particularly concerned that hospital authorities have failed to report the deaths when he visited the hospital and met with management, doctors, nurses and organised labour two weeks ago.
The team will look at infection prevention control issues amongst other things.
Meanwhile, the MEC continues with his unannounced visits to various hospitals across the province. Through the visits, Gqobana has had an opportunity to interact with clinicians and other employees on the ground.
He identified a huge gap between his management in Bhisho and those responsible for hospitals. He wants the department to focus its resources on core business.
Gqobana has since instructed his management to fill all clinical vacant post within six months.
The department is to receive 100 additional emergency vehicles in April; some will be allocated to hospital complexes. It is also considering specialised ambulances for pregnant women and newborn babies. The ambulances will be fitted with ventilators in an attempt to reduce the infant mortality rate in the province.
The department is also gravely concerned about the high number of illegal abortions being performed in various towns of the province with perpetrators even putting up posters touting pregnant women to undergo the so-called ‘pain free abortions’. Women who consult with the bogus doctors are often given dangerous medication which can only be issued on prescription by qualified medical personnel.
When confronted with complications from these illegal abortions, these women end up in hospitals pushing up the province’s maternal death rates and infant mortality.
Enquiries:
Sizwe Kupelo
Cell: 083 378 0196
