A Heideveld woman is furious after her epileptic ouma was transferred to a rehab centre in Mitchells Plain “without the family’s consent”.
Jane Jacobs says her 65-year-old ouma, who asked not to be named, was admitted to Heideveld Day Hospital on 3 June after she had a seizure but the family was not allowed to visit her, nor were they informed about her transfer.
Jane says they were confused when a doctor made a follow-up call, referring to her as an outpatient.
She says after days of failed attempts to get hold of the hospital, they went to investigate and discovered that her ouma was taken to the Mitchells Plain Intermediate Care facility on 11 June.
“We as the family would like answers as we were not even allowed to see her for seven days,” says Jane.
“She is a known epileptic and as soon as she has a seizure, I must contact the ambulance because there’s nothing that I can do for her.
“The last time she was admitted in May, the doctor called and told me she was discharged.
“The doctor then explained to me that only a certain percentage of her brain is working due to all the seizures that caused brain damage,” says Jane.
Western Cape Health spokesperson Monique Johnstone says staff tried contacting the family without success to inform them of the transfer.
“The Heideveld Emergency Centre is a unit managed by the Mitchells Plain District Hospital and does not offer intermediate healthcare services,” Johnstone explains.
“The patient was transferred to an intermediate care facility for the management of other underlying health conditions detected by the Emergency Centre.
“Due to Covid-19 visitation protocol, the department cannot allow family members to visit their loved ones at present. They can contact the intermediate care facility on 021 111 0240.”
But Jane disputes that the hospital tried to contact them, saying the doctor was able to reach her easily as they were waiting for the hospital’s call.
She says her ouma is still at the frail care facility “with no indication of when she’s getting discharged.”
nomzamo.yuku@inl.co.za