Cape Town - A Kensington family has demanded an incident report from Somerset Hospital in Green Point, alleging that frail Afia Phillips was being abused and neglected after she sustained a broken arm and a gash to her head which needed stitches.
The provincial Health Department, however, has denied the allegations of abuse and neglect, saying the patient’s injuries were as a result of her medical condition.
Phillips, 86, was admitted to the hospital on Monday after she suffered a fit and needed medical care and tests performed.
Her family on Thursday said they were concerned for her wellbeing after hospital staff informed them of her injuries.
Ruwayda Gierdien, Phillips’ niece, said hospital staff told them “not to be alarmed” but that Phillips had suffered injuries.
She had been admitted for tests and stayed overnight. On Monday night we received a call saying that she had jumped from the bed and hit her head which needed stitches.
The next day we got a call again saying she had jumped from the bed and she broke her arm. This is when we blew a gasket because she is a frail woman who can’t even walk.
“She is assisted at home with the best care. When she was admitted there wasn’t a scratch on her, but in two days she suffered injuries which they say she caused. She can’t even walk.
“Where would she get the energy to jump from a bed? At home we carry her to the toilet which is about five steps away. We have asked for the reports of the injuries she suffered but they are beating around the bush and after saying we would have it by Wednesday, we still had not received it (on Thursday) with more promises being made that we would get it by today (Friday),” said Gierdien.
Provincial Health Department spokesperson, Natalie Watlington, denied the allegations of abuse and neglect, further confirming they are aware of the incident.
“We take patient safety and dignity very seriously, especially where vulnerable patients are concerned.
“However, we want to make it clear that the allegations of abuse and negligence are untrue. The patient’s injuries were as a result of her medical condition.
“We met with the family on Wednesday, October 12, where management, the Head of Nursing, medical and orthopaedic doctors addressed the family’s concerns.
Management explained to the family that a formal report will not be issued on the matter,” said Watlington.
Cape Times