By Doreen Mokgolo
Nomsa Mnisi, a heartbroken mother, is pleading with Far Eastrand Hospital in Ekurhuleni to release her stillborn baby’s remains so her family can hold a private funeral.
Mnisi, 32, gave birth to a stillborn baby on 22 July. The hospital initially asked if she wanted a private funeral or if they should handle it.
The family chose a private funeral, but when they returned to collect the body last Monday, the hospital refused, saying their policy is to release the foetus only if it is over 450g.
However, the health department’s policy states the release weight is above 350g.
“All I want is to bury my son and have space to mourn his death,” Mnisi told Scrolla.Africa.
“We’ve planned the funeral, paid for the gravesite and undertaker, and informed the family. But the hospital won’t release the body.”
Mnisi believes the hospital is trying to cover up the nurse’s negligence.
“When I arrived, the nurse asked for a urine sample and made me wait in the corridor without checking my condition. After 45 minutes, I felt contractions and called for help.
“The nurse saw the baby’s head and asked me to follow her to the delivery room. But the baby slipped out and fell to the floor. The nurse found me in shock with the baby on the floor. I didn’t get a womb scrub or counselling and was discharged the next morning.”
Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the patient had wanted to be issued a death certificate which cannot be issued for a non-viable foetus.
“We can issue a discharge summary that confirms that the patient was seen by the hospital and that the hospital is aware that they are taking the remains with them.
“The matter has been resolved and Mnisi should be able to get the remains of the macerated foetus anytime. Given the concerns raised by the patient the matter has been escalated to the GDOH Quality Assurance Unit to further investigate,” he said.
Pictured above: Grieving mother Nomsa Mnisi.
Source: Doreen Mokgolo
