DA - MEC MUST RELEASE FULL BABY DEATH REPORT

Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu must release the full report on the deaths of six babies at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.

I am disappointed that only a summary was presented that does not enable the public to judge whether all relevant questions have been answered.

The report should also be published as a scientific document so that others may learn from this tragic case.

In general, the report has identified systemic deficiencies like overcrowding, staff shortages and lack of equipment, rather than blaming any individual negligence.

It is astonishing that the hospital was short of basic items like towels, antiseptic sprays and thermometers. Enabling hospitals to order infection control equipment directly instead of through the notorious Gauteng Shared Services Centre is a major step forward.

I welcome the measures that have been announced to strengthen infection control and bring down baby deaths. These will hopefully ensure that there are no more avoidable deaths in future.

I will formally request in the Gauteng Legislature the release of the full report.

Statement by Jack Bloom, MPL, DA Gauteng Health Spokesman, July 21 2010

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter