Investigation launched into patient care complaint at Mitchells Plain District Hospital
Mitchells Plain District Hospital
Image: File
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has confirmed that it is investigating a formal complaint relating to a patient who collapsed and was rushed to Mitchells Plain District Hospital, and who was allegedly later diagnosed with a brain aneurysm after initially being classified as a non-urgent case.
This comes after reports that the woman arrived at the hospital on 3 March shortly after 15:00 experiencing severe neurological symptoms, including intense head pain, blocked ears, loss of muscle strength and loss of bowel control symptoms often associated with a potential neurological emergency such as a brain aneurysm or brain bleed.
Despite this, the patient was reportedly triaged as Code Green, indicating a non-urgent case, and remained waiting in the emergency unit for several hours before being attended to.
Later that night, a doctor suspected a possible aneurysm or brain bleed and ordered an urgent transfer to Groote Schuur Hospital, where the patient was admitted to neurosurgical high care. Doctors subsequently performed a DSA coil procedure to treat the aneurysm.
The patient is now experiencing stroke-like neurological complications and may remain under close hospital monitoring for up to eight weeks while specialists observe her condition and monitor for the possibility of further aneurysms.
Department spokesperson Samantha Lee-Jacobs confirmed that the department has received a formal written complaint from the family and that an investigation is under way.
“The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness can confirm that a formal written complaint relating to the identified patient was received. We take these allegations seriously, and can confirm that our team is in the process of investigating this complaint, and will make contact with the family to address their concerns,” she said.
Lee-Jacobs added that the department takes patient dignity seriously and emphasised that staff at Mitchells Plain Hospital prioritise the care of all patients who present at the facility.
“The dignity and respect of our patients are not taken lightly. Our team at Mitchells Plain Hospital takes the care of all patients presenting to the facility in high priority, and they are working under immense pressure due to the number of emergency and life-threatening cases presenting to the emergency centre daily.”
She explained that triage systems are a critical part of emergency care and are designed to prioritise patients according to their physiological condition and presenting symptoms.
“Triaging remains an essential part of the treatment process that prioritises patients in emergency care based on physiological status and presenting symptoms, that incorporates stroke-like or life-threatening symptoms,” she said.
However, she noted that a patient’s condition can sometimes deteriorate while waiting for treatment.
“Sadly, after being triaged correctly, a patient’s condition can change, while our healthcare teams are in the process of treating other life-threatening cases.”
According to the department, the patient was initially assessed as non-life-threatening when she arrived at the hospital.
“This patient was triaged as non-life-threatening, but her condition changed while waiting for care. This incident is most unfortunate, but we can confirm that the patient was eventually treated and referred to Groote Schuur Hospital where she remains in care and receiving specialist treatment,” Lee-Jacobs said.
She added that the situation highlights the pressure faced daily by staff in busy emergency centres.
“This is the reality of the emergency centre at Mitchells Plain District, where healthcare teams are under pressure daily and dealing with complex medical emergency cases, while patients who are not triaged as life-threatening have to wait for hours to receive care.”
Lee-Jacobs also reiterated that patients who are triaged as Code Green should expect extended waiting times.
“We want to reiterate that if you are triaged green and not life-threatening, your waiting time will take hours and we recommend that you visit your local clinic instead.”
Due to patient confidentiality, the department said it cannot provide further details about the patient’s diagnosis, prognosis or treatment without the formal written consent of the patient.
The patient remains under specialist care at Groote Schuur Hospital as doctors continue to monitor her condition.