Elina Maseko, 45, was turned away from Stanza Bopape clinic in Mamelodi on Sunday night,
A heavily pregnant Elina Maseko, who was about to go into labour, was turned away from Stanza Bopape clinic in Mamelodi, after nurses told her she was too old to be pregnant and therefore a “high risk”.
Maseko, 45, was forced to give birth outside the clinic’s yard on Sunday, assisted by her niece, after nurses allegedly refused to help her.
On the day Maseko, was on her way to Mamelodi hospital when their neighbour’s car ran out of petrol not far from the clinic. “It was just after 6pm when I felt the labour pains. I asked my neighbour to rush me to Mamelodi Hospital and was accompanied by my niece Sibongile Morudu. Unfortunately, his car ran out of petrol and we had to wait for his friend. By the time he arrived, the pains had intensified and we had no choice but to go to the nearest clinic.
“The nurses at the clinic looked at my clinic card and told me that I was old and high risk, therefore I should go to the hospital. They did not even want to listen to me.”
#NOTINMYNAMESA has engaged clinic staff following a 47-year-old woman gave birth at the clinic’s gate after being turned away by the nursing staff. The clinic Manager Mr Sammy Otshepeng and area manager Miss Aphane avowed to having had the atrocious incident take place on their premises. The investigation is to be concluded at the end of business day today.
#NOTINMYNAMESA, in union with the family, has clear demands stipulated at the meeting:
- Implicated nursing staff should be suspended under the “Do No Harm” principle with immediate effect until such a time that the official report and findings have been finalised and remedial action is implemented.
- Compensation for pain and suffering should be offered in addition to psychological interventions for both victims.
- Should the child endure developmental problems in future, the clinic must provide reasonable care which ensures comfort.
- The names of the nurses should be released after suspension as be subject to disciplinary under medical ethics as prescribed by the relevant governing body
The district Chief Director Mothomone is reported to have engaged with the patient and apologised for the horrendous treatment. The Patient though denies all his allegations and is in the process of legal proceedings against the clinic.
