Lost file puts cancer father at risk

‘They see him ‘deteriorating’ before their eyes’

A BROOKLYN family fears a delay caused by their father’s medical file, which went missing at Tygerberg Hospital this week, has put him at risk.

To compound their worry, a doctor has told them that because he is a cancer patient, “anything can go wrong at any stage”.

Schalk Holloway said his father, Frank Holloway, urgently needed a procedure to diagnose the origin of his cancer. This was scheduled for Tuesday, but minutes before he was to go into theatre the hospital lost his father’s folder, he said.

The folder was found the next day, but the procedure, having been delayed, puts his father at risk, Holloway said, as they can see him “deteriorating” before their eyes.

Holloway said the hospital had apologised, but he wants doctors to fast-track his father’s diagnosis. “We understand the lack of resources and the pressures the hospital and the staff face. We also have respect for due process.

“Someone dropped the ball on Tuesday and it has exposed my father to massive risk. This is the essential issue and we are trying to, in an honourable way, keep our focus on this. My frustration is on why they do not fix their mistake by fast-tracking his process. I would not expect a fast track or favours under normal circumstances. Essentially, I expect them only to fix the mistake they made,” he said.

Hospital spokesperson Laticia Pienaar said they were investigating and would keep in contact with the family.

“We have engaged the relevant management to conduct an investigation. As such, the management already engaged Mr Holloway’s son (on Wednesday) regarding his concerns. We strive to provide quality patient-centred care to all our clients and as such we will be able to provide you and Mr Holloway’s son with detailed information once it is available.

“Patients are prioritised according to the severity of their illness and those, meaning those who have life-threatening conditions or illnesses, will be seen first, before those with non-life-threatening conditions,” said Pienaar.

Schalk Holloway said: “I will hold them accountable should my father die because of the treatment being postponed due to their negligence.”