The Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development, Ntombi Mekgwe has sent condolences to the family of a patient who fell from the 9th floor of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital this morning.
“What happened is a tragedy and our sympathies are with family at this traumatic and difficult moment,” the MEC said.
Initial investigation has revealed that the patient, a 53 year-old female, had allegedly jumped from the toilet. She has been admitted at surgical unit of the hospital for entero-cutenous fistula, which is an opening of the bowel to the skin. She was surgically operated at the hospital previously but returned on Friday complaining of severe pain.
The patient’s father and two sisters were briefed by the hospital management and doctors, this morning.
Police and the department have initiated investigations to determine the circumstance surrounding the incident.
The family said the incident came as a shock to them. “She had been going through so much pain but we were hoping that she would get better and we would take her on a holiday. We never thought that this would happen,” her father said.
The family will continue to receive support and psycho social counseling from the hospital.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
