Mahikeng Provincial Hospital in the North West province has come under scrutiny for a distressing incident involving newborn babies being placed in cardboard boxes instead of the appropriate incubators or crib beds.
SEE: Mahikeng hospital keeps newborn babies in cardboard boxes
As reported by Jacaranda News, the North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha has announced that an investigation will be launched into the matter.
Preliminary findings from an internal investigation conducted by the hospital indicate that the incident occurred at midday on Sunday, 21 May 2023, within the neonatal ward.
Nurses allegedly resorted to using cardboard boxes as makeshift alternatives for the babies’ accommodation.
In a statement, the Department of Health expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasising that it is the first time such a distressing situation has been reported.
Tebogo Lekgethwane, the health department’s spokesperson, stated that immediate steps are being taken to address the issue.
Additional cribs are being arranged urgently and will be dispatched from a facility with a surplus supply.
Moreover, Lekgethwane added that the CEO of the hospital is overseeing the procurement process for additional incubators and cribs, recognising the pressing need for proper care and support for the infants.
“As a matter of urgency, arrangements are being made for additional cribs to be immediately be sent to the hospital from a facility that has more, and the CEO is following up on the procurement process which is underway in the hospital for additional incubators and cribs,” Lekgethwane said.
It is notable that these incidents were not included in the hospital’s weekly report updates on Monday, 22 May 2023, raising questions about the reporting mechanisms and protocols in place.
According to Lekgethwane, the Department of Health intends to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the duration during which the babies were placed in the boxes, since in cases of urgent situations over weekends, staff members are expected to contact managers promptly, whose responsibility it is to find suitable alternatives.