A 30-year-old mother from Praktiseer near Burgersfort in Limpopo is demanding accountability from nurses at Dilokong Hospital for their alleged negligent treatment during her childbirth experience. Karabo Magabe shared her harrowing story with Health-e News, recounting the traumatic events that unfolded on Thursday 8 May.
Magabe began experiencing contractions and was rushed to Dilokong Hospital, where she was initially told by a doctor that she was in false labor. Despite her insistence that she was ready to give birth, she was taken to the antenatal care ward. Feeling the urgency of the situation, Magabe refused and was eventually admitted to the labor ward.
Once in the labor ward, Magabe cried out for help as she felt the imminent arrival of her baby. However, nurses dismissed her pleas, labeling them as false labor pains. Left unattended and in excruciating pain with her water breaking, Magabe frantically called out for assistance as she sensed her baby’s impending birth.
In a shocking turn of events, a nurse instructed Magabe to stand up and follow her out of the labor ward to assist with the delivery. Confused and in distress, Magabe complied, only to have her baby fall head-first onto the hospital floor in the hospital passage. The umbilical cord was detached, and the newborn sustained injuries to her face, including a bruised left eye.
Despite the traumatic experience, both mother and child were discharged the following day, with Magabe expressing gratitude that her daughter survived and appears to be healthy. However, she is determined to hold the nurse accountable for her actions and the negligence that led to such a distressing incident.
The Limpopo health department has acknowledged the incident, with spokesperson Neil Shikwambana stating that an inquiry is underway to gather all the facts surrounding the case. Once the investigation is complete, appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.
Magabe is adamant about seeking justice for the ordeal she endured at Dilokong Hospital, emphasizing the importance of accountability and ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the vital role that healthcare professionals play in providing safe and compassionate care during childbirth.
As the investigation unfolds, Magabe remains resolute in her quest for justice and hopes that her experience will lead to improved standards of care for all mothers and newborns in the healthcare system.
