North West health department probes patient death at psychiatric hospital

A patient died at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital.

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An investigation into a patient death at a North West psychiatric hospital has been launched.Recently,it was alleged that the same facility had a lack of adequate food and toiletries,and frequent power outages.The probe is expected to be completed by the end of August.

The North West health department is investigating the death of a patient at a psychiatric hospital in Potchefstroom earlier this month.

The patient reportedly died at the Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in the North West on 12 June,prompting Health MEC Sello Lehari to visit the hospital over the weekend.

The incident was initially brought to his attention after social media posts reported that a long-term patient had died at the hospital.

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Witrand provides care for intellectual disabilities,psychiatric conditions,and people requiring physical medicine and rehabilitation services.

Recently,it was alleged that there was a lack of adequate food and toiletries at the facility,and that it had frequent power outages.

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There were also allegations that equipment in the laundry,including boilers,were out of order.

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On Tuesday,Lehari said a nine-member investigation team had been appointed to probe the allegations.

“The investigation team,led by seasoned clinician,Professor John Tumbo,comprises experienced managers from diverse disciplines and areas of expertise to ensure a thorough and objective inquiry,” said Lehari.

He added that the scope of the investigation had been expanded to include a separate incident involving a patient who allegedly absconded from Mahikeng Provincial Hospital.

This after the SABC reported that a 22-year-old mentally ill man escaped from the psychiatric ward. His parents reportedly said the hospital failed to inform them about the incident.

Lehari said: “We are deeply concerned about these incidents and are determined to get to the bottom of what transpired. We owe it to the families,the patients,and the broader community to ensure that the matter is thoroughly probed.”

The investigation team is expected to present the report and its findings to the MEC by 1 August.