Durban – A seriously ill person died in an open space, near the pharmacy delivery parking lot, at the KwaMashu Community Health Centre (CHC) on Monday.
Some of the people present complained that they had been waiting for assistance from as early as 05:00.
Commenting on the death, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health on Tuesday confirmed that, “yesterday around 07:30, a 41-year-old man was found in an open space near the pharmacy delivery parking lot, having sadly demised at KwaMashu Community Health Centre”.
The department said, without prejudice, it would like to first convey its deepest condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased patient.
“According to a report from facility management, patients became concerned when they saw the man lying on the floor,” the department said.
“They then alerted the security guards, who immediately alerted the nurses, who summoned for help.
“Upon examination by the doctors, the patient was found to have no vital signs and therefore declared dead.
“The patient’s file was retrieved and his relatives were duly informed about the adverse incident.”
The department urged healthcare users and/or their relatives to understand the importance of presenting during the early stages of illness to health facilities, to allow “doctors and nurses the opportunity to make timeous interventions”.
The department added: “This will help to avoid serious complications which may lead to fatalities.
“The department will be in constant contact with the family to provide the necessary support.”