Netcare welcomes Health Ombud report on infant death

The Netcare Hospital Group has expressed sympathy to the family of a baby who died at one of its facilities in 2023, following the release of a report probing the incident.

Netcare has welcomed the outcomes of the investigation conducted by the Health Ombudsman and accepted its subsequent recommendations.

The probe found that a medication error may have contributed to the baby’s death, among other gaps in communication and clinical protocols.

The Netcare Hospital Group said it's already implemented a number of safety measures as recommended in the probe's report.

They include mandatory forensic post-mortems in cases where medication errors are suspected, annual reviews of medication protocols and enhanced clinical handover monitoring.

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The group said further changes are being rolled out, with some set for implementation in the coming months.

Netcare also said it remains in contact with the family and is committed to addressing their concerns transparently.

"There were outdated medical protocols, there was insufficient takeover, shift, handover procedures," said Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena.

The baby died at the Netcare Femina Hospital in Pretoria in 2023.

EWN incorrectly reported on Monday that the incident was linked to the misuse of equipment.

The Health Ombud's report found that the matter related to medication, not equipment.