The Western Cape Health Department is investigating the deaths of Wendy Pietersen and her unborn baby and the death of 10-month-old Mileeck Newman at Stellenbosch Provincial Hospital, the department confirmed.
Pietersen, 33, arrived at the hospital on 21 December with swollen feet and expecting a daughter she had named Milan. Her family says they will not accept that the death ‘could not have been prevented’ and are considering legal action, a relative told eNCA reporters.
In a separate case, Tammy Newman is grieving her 10-month-old, Mileeck. She says hospital staff ‘ignored’ her son when he was brought in for severe vomiting and that counselling has not been offered. Newman is seeking help to take legal steps.
Hospital management has referred the matters to the provincial health department, which has opened formal investigations and says it will review clinical records and procedures.
The department’s statement affirmed that enquiries are under way.
Community members and relatives called for transparency and support for affected families as the inquiries proceed.
‘We need answers and compassion,’ a family member said.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images
