Patient dies in front of clinic
The family of Lulama Feni (36), who died last Thursday, 16 November, was shocked to learn that she spent her last minutes alive in front of Thembalethu Community Day Centre, a clinic in Nelson Mandela Boulevard.
A family member of the deceased, Castro Fuba, this week said they blame the clinic for not helping her in her time of need. Feedback from the Department of Health states otherwise, saying the patient was given "appropriate management" when she complained of chest pains.
According to Fuba, Feni had an appointment at the clinic to fetch her chronic medication that morning, and walked there in good health. "She started feeling bad while she was there, and told personnel she has chest pains and couldn't breathe. They did not want to help her, saying that is not the reason she had an appointment, and she already got her meds," said Fuba. "She was escorted out of the clinic, because it was 16:00 and they wanted to close."
Lulama died just outside the clinic. A family friend who works at the court was with her when she passed away. She had left her work place and saw Lulama struggling. "She got someone to notify us, and an ambulance was called from the police station. They were too late," Fuba said.
He said he asked the operational manager about the incident. "She said she was on her way home and saw that someone was covered outside the clinic. She thought it was a hit and run accident. These people don't care. Lulama's family is heartbroken."
Appropriate management
Spokesperson of the Department of
Health Nadia Fereirra confirmed Feni's visit to the facility on 16 November. "Observations were done and the client was seen by a clinician at 15:00, and received her medication from the pharmacy at 16:07. The patient complained of chest pain and was given appropriate management. She walked out of the clinic unassisted after waiting for an hour for her medication," said Ferreira.
"At the time the clinic closed at 16:25 there were no patients requiring medical attention. We were however informed the next day that someone did come back to the clinic and requested an ambulance for a person who had collapsed nearby. The security guard then phoned an ambulance. The operational manager subsequently had a meeting with the father to discuss the care the patient received and answer any questions he may have. Our condolences to the family of the deceased."