'THEY DIDN'T CHECK HIM'

'THEY DIDN'T CHECK HIM'

Subhead: Wesbank mom says Delft Day Hospital negligence led to newborn's death

A MOTHER from Wesbank says that due to Delft Day Hospital's negligence her four-day-old baby suddenly passed away on 29 June.

Roonesha Jooste, 25, gave birth to a baby boy named Lee-Hogan Jooste on 25 June at Delft Day Hospital despite her due date being 11 July.

She claims that the medical staff did not do a thorough check on the baby when he was born and he quickly developed jaundice after they were discharged six hours after birth.

Four days later, she took him back to the Delft Day Hospital after his condition worsened.

She explained: “I noticed that he had geelsug because his eyes were yellow and he started making unusual sounds. I took him to back Delft Day Hospital and when we arrived en toe was my kind heel pap.

"They placed him on oxygen and drip. I was told that they are going to transfer us to Tygerberg Hospital because they do not have some kind of blood gas machine for him. We left the day hospital and got into the ambulance skin to skin, they did not place him in an incubator and it was raining. Blood started coming out of his mouth.

"When we arrived at Tygerberg I did not get the opportunity to hold my child again because toe is hy onder pype and around 1pm he was declared deceased. He also had a seizure and his heart rate dropped”

Roonesha said she went back to Delft Day Hospital for a notice of birth where she asked to see her baby’s file to see what medication the medical staff gave the baby.

“I was asked why do I want to see the baby’s file, it’s not like I will understand medical terms. I said that I can research. Then the sister asked if I wanted to open a police case."

Megan Davids, spokesperson for the Western Cape Health Department said the medical teams did everything to keep the baby alive.

“On 29 June 2025 at 00h05, Ms Jooste arrived at Delft Community Health Centre (CHC) concerned about her baby, who had not been feeding, was crying persistently, and had started making unusual sounds.

"The healthcare team responded immediately. Additional clinical support was called in, and treatment started immediately.

"Over the next hour, the baby’s vital signs appeared to improve slightly. In line with clinical protocols, arrangements were made for urgent transfer to Tygerberg Hospital with a special sprint vehicle for further care. At the time of transfer, the baby’s condition was still critical but stable enough for transfer.

"All necessary steps were taken to ensure he received timely and appropriate care throughout, including during transport...

"Tragically, the baby’s condition deteriorated and despite all efforts to resuscitate, he was declared deceased at Tygerberg Hospital."

Roonesha, however, claims that had the medical staff done a thorough check after birth, her baby would still have been here today.

The hartseer mom added: “They did not do their job properly the day I gave birth to do a thorough check and check if everything is alright. For the six hours that I was at the day hospital the sister only came twice and the second time was when I went home.”

In May, gatvol residents marched on Delft Day Hospital to demand better treatment.