THE Gauteng Department of Health has apologised to Livhuwani Nethamba for the horrific treatment she allegedly received at Lillian Ngoyi Clinic.
On Wednesday, 21 September, Daily Sun published an article about Livhuwani’s ordeal when she went to have her baby.
The 37-year-old mum from Phumla Mqashi squatter camp, south of Joburg, alleged she was forced to deliver her baby by herself in the clinic’s waiting area and punched in the stomach with a fist by a night nurse.
Livhuwani further claimed she was told to pay R500 for help.
She reported the matter to the matron and the implicated nurses are said to have admitted to wrongdoing and apologised.
A case of assault has since been opened.
The department’s spokesman, Motalatale Modiba said: “The department can confirm that the complainant was admitted at Lillian Ngoyi CHC. A redress meeting has since taken place in light of the reported incident. The department would like to apologise to the patient for the alleged poor experience of care.”
Modiba said given the serious allegations levelled against staff members, the matter was being further investigated to establish the facts.
“If the allegations are proven to be factual, the department will have to institute a disciplinary process against those implicated,” he said.
