Family claim gran was ‘abused’ in hospital
THE family of a Chatsworth grandmother, who was allegedly neglected and body-shamed in a Durban hospital, believe they are on the right path to getting answers and justice.
Tholsiemah Naidoo, 87, a retired senior nurse, was diagnosed with bronchitis pneumonia and admitted to the hospital between July 3 and 11, 2022.
She died of natural causes in December 2023.
However, her grandson, Chris Govender, claimed that during her admission at the hospital, Naidoo was allegedly a victim of patient abuse and negligence by the nursing staff.
He alleged that the hospital had failed to administer proper treatment after Naidoo developed a wound on her buttocks and provide her with a pressure care mattress immediately to alleviate her pain, resulting in a pressure injury.
Govender said following her discharge on July 11, he approached the hospital with his grievances.
“After there were no answers or accountability following several meetings with the hospital management with regard to the unprofessional conduct of the nurses and treatment that my grandmother received, I lodged a complaint with the South African Nursing Council (SANC), requesting that it investigate further,” he said.
Govender said the SANC’s preliminary investigating committee (Pic) resolved not to pursue the case because it felt there was no evidence of negligence by the nurses.
Dissatisfied with the decision, Govender said he took the Pic’s ruling on appeal before the South African Nursing Council Appeal Authority Appeal Committee.
In his arguments, Govender told the committee that on admission Naidoo was rolled in with a wheelchair and mobilised on the hospital bed with assistance due to her shortness of breath from the pneumonia.
He said Naidoo’s allergies and medical history were noted by a nurse, who conducted a skin scoring on her.
“Her (Naidoo) skin was found to be good and intact with no breaks and tears. She also noted a discolouration on her lower limbs from previous cellulitis.”
Govender said the following week, the family were notified that Naidoo had developed an allergy caused by one of the medications prescribed by her physician. The allergy flared up and made her uncomfortable and itchy.
He alleged there were no nurses around to assist Naidoo during their absence.
Govender said on July 10, while the family were at the hospital, they heard the monitors going off indicating a drop in her blood pressure.
He said during that time, one of
Naidoo’s relatives, an ICU registered nurse for many years, informed the nurse that Perfalgan IV (the medication) would further lower Naidoo’s blood pressure, which was already low.
“However, the nurse indicated that the doctor had stopped all blood pressure medication and apologised for her mistake.”
Govender told the committee that the nurse advised the family that a dressing which had been applied on Naidoo
as per the physician’s orders, had given her an allergic reaction.
“The nurse stated that the dressing should not have been used because her skin was good on admission, as it is used for more emaciated patients.
“She indicated that the dressing caused the wound on her buttocks and this was only noticed on July 9. Doctors were only told 12 hours later and no medical intervention was done,” he said.
Govender told the committee that Naidoo was neglected and left without pressure care being done, which caused the wound.
He said the family wanted answers from the hospital and, in particular, a doctor, who had (allegedly) failed to assist the family.
“During communication with the doctor, she continued to body shame her (Naidoo) when questioned about why pressure care protocol was not followed.”
Govender said Naidoo’s skin was compromised as per the nursing protocol. He further told the committee that the nursing staff and hospital management had allegedly tampered with Naidoo’s hospital file and included falsified information.
Govender said that on July 11, he was allowed to see Naidoo’s wound and take pictures.
He said the wound was not clean and left exposed on the linen saver, and that Naidoo had cried and asked him to take her out of the hospital.
Govender told the committee that according to the hospital bill, four Perfulgan vials were ordered from the pharmacy, but only 50mg was given to Naidoo.
“The remainder of the unused medication was not credited and to date none of the nurses responded to the whereabouts of the billed medication,” he said.
The SANC, in its response, filed a notice to abide by the decision of the committee.
The four-member appeal committee, in handing down its ruling recently, said the decision of the Pic was set aside.
The Pic was also directed to refer the matter to the professional conduct committee to implement an inquiry into the conduct of the nurses in the hospital.
“There is glaring evidence that the nurses who cared for Mrs Naidoo violated regulations and (Nursing) Act by their failure to provide her with the necessary treatment, care and/or to refer her for relevant medical treatment,” it said.
The committee said this included, among others, the failure to administer the correct and appropriate treatment and care; to prevent accidents, injury or other trauma; to prevent the spread of diseases and infections, and to maintain the health status of Naidoo who was at the time under their care.
Following the ruling, Govender said they were hopeful that they would now find the answers as Naidoo did not get any closure before her death.
“My family and I just want accountability from the hospital. My grandmother was a nurse and served her profession for many years. She was honoured for her dedication and the excellent nursing care she had rendered in many hospitals in Durban.
“However, when it was her turn to be treated and be provided with good nursing care, her rights were violated and she was humiliated.
“She also sacrificed a lot for my mom and my siblings. Everything we are today is because of her. She was not just the head of our home, but the light of our lives. We want justice for her,” he said.