Attack kills patient

The KwaZulu-Natal health department yesterday said they were investigating the death of a 63-year-old patient who was allegedly attacked by another patient at Ngwelezane Hospital, Empangeni.

Executive committee member for health Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu said: “We are investigating this matter as a matter of urgency in order to establish whether such an incident could not have been prevented.”

Last Sunday, it was alleged the deceased patient was attacked while he was asleep at around 11pm.

“The 51-year-old alleged perpetrator had arrived at the hospital on Saturday, and was admitted on Sunday as a normal patient.

“There is no evidence at this stage that the alleged perpetrator was a psychotic patient,” said SimelaneZulu.

She said the hospital staff who were on duty heard a commotion and hysterical cries and immediately rushed to the ward.

They found the deceased being severely punched with fists by another patient.

The two patients were quickly separated by security and attended to by nurses and doctors.

Attempts to revive the deceased patient were not successful, and he succumbed to his injuries.

The other patient was sedated and put in isolation where relevant care was given.

The matter was reported to the police and the alleged perpetrator is being kept in seclusion and under police guard.

The hospital has been in constant communication with close relatives of the deceased patient and counselling services have also been arranged for personnel that were exposed to the incident.

“We will work very closely with the police as well as the family of the deceased in handling this matter and we wish to express our deepest condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the deceased patient,” said Simelane-Zulu. – ANA

There is no evidence the alleged perpetrator was a psychotic patient.

Nomagugu SimelaneZulu, KZN health MEC