A Stellenbosch woman’s recent experience at the Stellenbosch Hospital has led her to start a petition against the way in which the staff communicates with patients’ families.
Lizel Cadman said her experience with the Health Department, specifically Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital, has led her to take a closer look at the 2022 Budget for South Africa’s Health Sector.
“My uncle, Timotheus Wildschut, originally from the Karoo passed away Sunday 17 April 2022 at 13:25 in Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital, where he was treated for a chronic lung disease,” she related. “He was visited by family members over the Easter holidays and last seen alive by us on Saturday afternoon during visiting hours (15:00-16:00). The news of his passing came as a big shock to our family and many questions left unanswered.”
Sandra Maritz, spokesperson for the Cape Winelands Department of Health, confirmed Wildschut was treated at Stellenbosch Hospital, where he was in a stable condition on Saturday, but his condition suddenly deteriorated. She said: “Our staff are aware of the importance of sharing information with families and go to great lengths to do so, using the contact details provided in the patient’s folder. We can confirm two staff had members engaged with the patient’s family who was, understandably, very distraught. The hospital also arranged for a meeting with the family for 19 April, but the contact person did not attend.
“The Department would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family of Mr Wildschut. Dealing with any loss of a loved one is exceptionally difficult and traumatic.” VContinued on page 3
